CATS Past Cultural Enrichment Programs

Introduction

Production Staff

After our successful production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song in January and February 2009 at the Nevada Theatre, CATS is ready to launch a series of fundraisers this summer, which focus on the cultural aspect of our mission and concurrently raise seed money for our 2010 production (to be announced by Fall).

Cultural Program Director
and Articles:
Publication Designer:
Poster and Postcard Designs:
Staffing at Events:

Jeannie Wong Wood
Patty Lum-Ohmann
Melanie Sullivan
CATS Board of Directors
and Volunteers

"The Art of Performance in Acting and in Life"

Darryl Hickman

Saturday, July 11, 2009

12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.

Location:
Nevada County
Superintendent of Schools
Conference Room
112 Nevada City Highway, Nevada City

$97.00

This 4-hour workshop includes the book written by Darryl Hickman, The Unconscious Actor, and admission that evening to "The Lion In Winter," produced by Greg and Karen Leigh Sharp at The Center for the Arts in Grass Valley from July 9 to July 25. Mr. Hickman is the guest director for this production. Mr. Hickman's extensive background is in the movies, on Broadway, and on television. He is an actor, writer, producer, director, and author. He says that we live in a performance-oriented society. When we act on stage, we're performing. When we play baseball, we're performing. When we go to a job interview, we're performing.

Whether we act, pitch for the Yankees, or meet with a prospective employer, the skills for honest performance and creativity come into play. Workshop is recommended for both experienced actors and novices, as well as for anyone else who isn't an actor, but "performs" in life. For teens and adults. Spaces limited.

Make An Asian Teapot

Taught by Rose Shulman and Denise Wey

Tuesdays:
July 28 (6-9 p.m.) and Aug. 18 (6-8 p.m.)

Location:
Mud Hut Ceramics Center
162 Nevada City Highway (next to the Imaginarium), Nevada City

$45 for 2 class sessions includes all materials. For teens and adults

Come learn how to handcraft your own Asian-style teapot! Continuing a partnership started last summer between the nonprofit Mud Hut and CATS, this class will allow tea enthusiasts to deepen their connection with tea culture while learning some basic ceramic hand-building skills. After you create a basic 2-3 serving artisan teapot, you'll have many options for surface treatments, such as stamping and carving designs inspired by nature, choosing a colorful glaze or patina, and creating a handle from either clay or bamboo. You'll make a set of cups, too. Your friends and family will be amazed you didn't buy it - you made it!

Rose Shulman of Nevada City teaches frequently at the Mud Hut. She specializes in making slab-built, exquisitely carved table lamps, as well as graffito carved sushi plates, saki sets and hand-carved tiles. She studied ceramics and other arts at Chico State and has worked as a professional ceramicist for many years.

Denise Wey of Penn Valley has been an resident instructor at the Mud Hut since its opening (under the auspices of the Nevada County Superintendent of Schools Office) in 2003. A professional landscape painter, jewelry maker and ceramic artist, Denise co-teaches the Mud Hut's ongoing adult class, "Hands In Clay," as well as numerous ongoing clay classes for children. Her varied career teaching and making art spans more than 30 years.

"Partnering with CATS is exciting and challenging because their cultural enrichment programs are outstanding," says Paul Harrar, manager of the Mud Hut and the School Arts Liaison for the Nevada County Superintendent of Schools Office. "This is a unique opportunity to explore Asian culture, ceramic culture and personal creativity. We look forward to bringing some new faces into the Mud Hut!" Class is limited to 20.

Asian-Themed Gift Cards

Learn to make one-of-a-kind extraordinary and stunning Asian-themed gift cards for all occasions.

Taught by Jennifer Cebollero

August 1, 2009 - Saturday
11:00 a.m.. - 3:30 p.m.

Location:
Creative Cards, Etc.
654 Maltman Drive, Suite C in Grass Valley
(across from SRC Rentals)

$35

Jennifer Cebollero, owner of Creative Cards, Etc., fell into this business of card making rather accidentally. In the late 1990s she began receiving beautiful hand-crafted cards from her very good friend, Patty Lum-Ohmann (CATS Board member). She was intrigued by how they were made, as they were such unique works of art, and definitely not assembly-lined produced. In the ensuing years, Patty invited her over to make some Easter cards, and the rest is now history! Jennifer became hooked! Starting as a hobby, her passion made way for it to become a full-time business.

The class will be making 4 (or 5, time permitting), Asian-influenced cards. All are very different and unique. Come tap into your creative potential and give your friends and families those works of art at special occasions and during holidays.

Or for no reason at all! But register soon, this class is limited to 8 students.

Japanese Ikebana

the Japanese art of floral arrangement
or the way of flowers

Taught by Wendy Rosky

Saturday, August 22, 2009
12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location: To be Advised

$65 (fee includes $35 worth of materials)

Enrich your life with the creative art of Ikebana, a centuries old Japanese art form. Plants and flowers in Ikebana may convey happiness or sadness, impressions of nature, the joy of events and creative themes. More than just a decoration, Ikebana can be a special connection between the arranger of the work and the person appreciating it. In class, you will learn basic traditional Ikebana style using traditional tools as well as creating contemporary designs. Some basic materials will be provided, however, other tools and materials will be available for purchase from the instructor. Materials include vase, pins, foam, mat, towel, and flowers.

Wendy Rosky is a local software engineer who also has had a long running interest in flowers and floral arranging. She has created both fresh and artificial floral designs for weddings, and home and workspace beautification. Wendy has experience in both Asian and western styles of floral design. She and her family have been involved in many aspects of CATS productions, and we are pleased to have her teach a workshop for CATS.

Martin Yan of Yan Can Cook!

(A Cooking Demonstration and Booksigning)

August 29, 2009, Saturday, 2:00 p.m.

Location:
Center for the Arts
314 West Main Street, Grass Valley, CA

Admission: $20 advance, $25 at the door

CATS will host a cooking demonstration and book signing by Chinese celebrity chef Martin Yan of the popular Yan Can Cook! TV series. Many are familiar with his wit and humor on public television. He is as much an entertainer in person as he is on television! Spend a most enjoyable afternoon with Martin and learn the secrets to great Chinese cooking, as well as his philosophy on life! He will also share with us his recent trips to China.

You will have an opportunity to purchase his cookbooks and have them personally autographed, and don't forget to pick up some of his own brand of kitchen knives. Remember to bring your cameras for that special photo op with Martin!

For more information about Martin Yan, his other books and appearances, click here to visit his web site

We will auction off the food he prepares. Bring your checkbook for a CATs Fund Raising Bidding Frenzy!

CATS Asian Film Festival

Anna May Wong

Frosted Yellow Willows:
Her Life, Times and Legend

By Elaine Mae Woo

September 13, 2009 - Sunday, 2:00 p.m.

Location:

Center for the Arts
314 West Main Street, Grass Valley, CA

Admission: $10 advance, $15 at the door

Featuring a documentary on the Chinese-American Hollywood legend, Anna May Wong, who graced the silver screen from the silent era in the 1920's to the 1960's. She was the first Asian to achieve national and international acclaim. Her career included movies with Douglas Fairbanks and Marlene Dietrich. Experience the heartfelt confines of her culture and her uphill climb to stardom. Meet the producer and director Elaine Mae Woo, who will be conducting questions and answers after the screening. The film is narrated by Nancy Kwan. The event concludes with a simple reception.

Nancy Kwan, Narrator made her acting debut in The World of Suzie Wong (1960) for which she was nominated Best Actress by the Hollywood Foreign Press. It was followed by a memorable performance in the film version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song (1961), the first major western film with an all-Asian cast. Since then, Miss Kwan has appeared on stage, screen, and television all around the world. She has also expanded her credits to include writer, producer, and ambassador for Hong Kong's film community.

Elaine Mae Woo, Writer, Director Producer background is in domestic and international marketing and sales for various American corporations and companies. She studied at U.C. Berkeley and San Francisco State University in the mid-1960s and has been taking film and new media courses at UCLA Extension since 1994. She considers herself a documentarian of Asians in Hollywood from circa 1900 to 1940.

To see a trailer for this film, click here to go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgfifVyg-CM

CATS Asian Film Festival

Pride's Deadly Fury

English language version

An award-winning action-packed
Kung Fu Martial Arts Film (G-rated)

Starring Li Jun Feng
(A Sheng Zhen Qigong Master)

Written by Xie Hong and Yun Hua Directed by Zhang Huaxun

September 20, 2009 - Sunday, 3:00 p.m.

Location:
St. Joseph's Cultural Center
410 South Church Street, Grass Valley, CA

Admission: $10 adults $5 children (12 & under)

Master Li Jun Feng, the founder of Sheng Zhen Qigong, is a former Kung Fu movie actor, choreographer, and director. Pride's Deadly Fury received a Chinese National Award for "Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role" and was selected as the "Motion Picture of the Year" by the Chinese Ministry of Culture in 1983.

Two fight scenes from the movie are in the YouTube clip to the left. If you'd like to see this movie complete and in English, come to the CATS Asian Film Festival on September 20th.

Master Li, a distinguished graduate of the Beijing Physical Education University, excelled in Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Bagua, Swords, and Broadsword. He was the Head Coach of the Beijing Martial Arts Team. He went on to become the Head Coach of China's National Martial Arts Team and led it to unprecedented glory, acquiring hundreds of Gold Medals for China.

In addition to our featured film, a short documentary on Master Li coaching a young and aspiring Jet Li (the movie star!) will also be shown.

At the height of his success, Master Li became interested in Sheng Zhen Qigong and its powerful healing properties. He moved to Manila in 1995 where he began teaching the principles of Sheng Zhen Qigong, mental and physical meditations and movements. There he wrote two books, The Return to Oneness and Healing Qigong, the Removal of Disease in Three Parts, which are available for purchase. At the core of Master Li's philosophy is the emphasis on the importance of opening the Heart and the importance of Unconditional Love. Once the Heart is open, the qi (vital energy) of the individual and the qi of the whole Universe can exchange freely. This uninterrupted flow can bring about a deep healing of one's body, mind and spirit, creating a total sense of well-being.

Master Li first came to Nevada City in late 1996, at the invitation of local Tai Chi teacher, Francesca Roveda. He gave lectures and demonstrations that sparked the formation of a local group that has been meeting regularly here for over 12 years. Two local women have become certified instructors, Liz Ely and Akiko Myers. Today Master Li travels worldwide teaching extensively in over 20 countries. He returns to Nevada County annually and has taught at the North Columbia School House, the South Yuba Club, St. Joseph's Cultural Center, and the Nevada City Veterans' Building. Last summer he hosted a successful International Teacher Training in Nevada City with 50 participants from all over the world. His short film, "The Quiet Mind," will also be shown, portraying his journey from the highly competitive and stressed person he once was, to the tremendously kind, patient and loving person he has become.

Master Li will be giving a 2-day workshop the following weekend on September 26th and 27th at St. Joseph's. He will be teaching "Sheng Zhen Healing Qigong Parts I & II" and "Awakening the Soul". Register on September 20 or call Liz Ely at 530-265-6600 or e-mail her at lizely @ hotmail.com. Visit www.shengzhen.org.

"The Art Of The Audition"

an on-your-feet workshop
with Sandra Rockman

Saturday, October 3, 2009

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $30.00

Location:
Nevada County Superintendent of Schools Conference Room
112 Nevada City Highway, Nevada City, CA
(corner of Nevada City Highway, Zion Street, and Ridge Road)

As both CATS and the local theater scene heat up with more excellent and challenging community productions, your audition skills can be polished to a sheen. Learn how to be more confident and able to make a stronger impression.

Workshop Goals:

• Methods on how to relax and enjoy an audition
• Increase your techniques on how to finesse a cold read
• Working with sides from upcoming CATS audition for Snow Falling on Cedars (based on the best-selling novel by David Guterson) and other plays; see www.catsweb.org for audition information
• Common errors of presentation
• Bring a 2-minute monologue and we'll refine interpretation and delivery

Sandra Rockman has been involved with the local theater scene since 1978. She is an actress, playwright and has directed more than 25 productions. For CATS, she directed Tea in 2007 and Golden Child in 2008. Class size limited. To register, please click here for our Audition Workshop Registration form. For additional information call 530-265-6514 or email sandrarockman@sbcglobal.net.

2006 Summer Cultural Enrichment Programs

After our very successful presentation of Amy Tan's IMMORTAL HEART in January and February 2006 at the Nevada Theatre, CATS is ready to focus on a series of fundraisers emphasizing the cultural aspect of our mission with workshops, activities, a bus tour to Manzanar, and a concert by the internationally-renowned Taipei Philharmonic Chamber Choir. To register, complete registration forms and mail in with payment.

Beginning Mahjong
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.,
Saturday, June 24th, 2006
Location: Forest Springs Mobile Home Clubhouse, 10016 Stone Arch Drive, Grass Valley (off Hwy 49)
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.,
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Location: Keeping Still Mountain, 405 Commercial Street, Nevada City, CA

Presented by Minnie (Chin) Yee and Jan Berliner
$35/each

The very successful mahjong classes taught by Minnie Yee and Jan Berliner since 2004 are back by popular demand. If you've ever been intrigued by those Chinese tiles, come learn to match them in pairs or sequences to eliminate them from your hand. Clear the hand of all tiles to win the game. The rules are simple (similar to gin rummy), and you'll be hooked in no time! Mahjong, a favorite and popular pastime in China, has become very popular in the West, reigning high with dominoes, cards, and other board games. It was created by the Chinese over 2,000 years ago and is enjoyed by people the world over. The early Chinese immigrants to America no doubt played mahjong to past the time. Many present-day Chinese learned the rules of the game from their elders of generations ago.

While there are many variations to the original rules, you will be taught the traditional Hong Kong style of mahjong. You will learn in Cantonese the Chinese characters and symbols. You will obtain a basic understanding of how the game is played. There will be plenty of time for practice and fun.

Please print it out, fill it in and return with payment to;
CATS, 228 Commercial St. #88 Nevada City, CA 95959

Japanese Tea Ceremony
Urasenke (The Way of Tea)
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm,
Sunday, June 25 2006
Location: Myochoan, in Penryn, California

Taught by Sumie (Soju) Y. Ward
$35/each

Patterned after the teahouses of Kyoto, Japan, Myochoan is nestled in an authentic tea garden consisting of an eight tatami (rice straw) mat room, a ryurei room, a mizuya preparation room, and 4 1/2 daime tatami mat room, which Tea Master (Soju) Ward considers the soul of the teahouse. Here, host and guests participate in an ancient ceremony of sharing sweets and tea in a setting that celebrates beauty, peace, and purity through respect of nature and culture. It is a quiet interlude for spiritual refreshment and harmony with the universe. The Japanese Tea Ceremony captures all the elements of Japanese philosophy and artistic beauty, and interweaves four principles - harmony (with people and nature), respect (for others), purity (of heart and mind), and tranquility.

Myochoan-kai is affiliated with the Urasenke Foundation, the tea group that strives to come to a fuller appreciation of the subtle richness of life through the discipline of tea, a ritual which began 450 years ago and handed down through 16 generations

Join us in the "peace in a bowl of tea" in this introductory class. Savor the spirit of the Japanese culture and cultivate the mind of tea. Minimum age is 12. You will be sitting on the floor part of the time. Benches also available. White socks required. Dress comfortably. Long pants recommended. Directions provided upon confirmation of registration. Spaces limited.

CATS in collaboration with the Nevada Union High School Choir Boosters and Music in the Mountains presents

Taipei Philharmonic Chamber Choir On tour!
Sat., July 8, 2006, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Don Baggett Theatre, Nevada Union High School, 11761 Ridge Road, Grass Valley, CA

Tickets:
$12 - general
$8 (14 yrs. and under)

Ticket Outlets:
Grass Valley: Book Seller; Briar Patch
Nevada City: Nevada City Postal Company; Golden Flower Trading Company; and Music in the Mountains; and NCTV
Online: www.presaleticketing.com

CATS is pleased to sponsor, along with the Nevada Union High School Choir Boosters and Music in the Mountains, the Taipei Philharmonic Chamber Choir ("Taipei") at the Don Baggett Theatre this summer. This world-renowned 35-member choir is on tour from Taiwan and will be in Nevada County for one performance only. Taipei has toured internationally since 1972 and have garnered many accolades, performing at exclusive world festivals. We are very fortunate to bring them to the Sierra Foothills. One of its choir members is our very own Abe Sitzer, son of Lew and Eddy Sitzer. Abe is an NU alumni (class of 1996) and has sung with the Boston Symphony prior to joining this prestigious group. Let's welcome Abe home and let him know just how proud we are of his accomplishments!

The Taipei Philharmonic Chamber Choir presents Chinese and Taiwanese songs from traditions that blend different races of people and thousands of years of history. Enjoy Mongolian folksongs, Chinese choral works, Taiwan folk songs and aboriginal tunes, and the latest Taiwan popular songs arranged by Taiwanese composers. Underwriters as of April, 2006, in addition to the NU Choir Boosters and Music in the Mountains, are the Entrekin Foundation, Lowell and Diane Robertson, The Union, and Lew Sitzer of NCTV.

The Taipei Philharmonic Chorus was founded in 1972 and, through the efforts of its conductors, has established an extensive repertoire and a reputation as one of the most prestigious choruses in Taiwan. Members of the chorus are music lovers from all walks of life. Their love of music, combined with the vision of the conductors, has allowed the Taipei Philharmonic Chorus to greatly increase the number of performances it gives each year. (Click here to visit their web site)

CATS 5th Annual Picnic

Sat., August 26th, 2006
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.,
Lunch: 12:00 p.m. Noon
Location: The Mekhaye, 12282 N. Bloomfield, Nevada City
Price: $12 adults; $7 children, 5-11; under 5, free

Join us for this family event where "there is something for everyone"! Let's celebrate another wonderful year, meet new friends, learn more about CATS, sign up to volunteer, and kick-off our 2007 production!

CATS thanks Steve and Jan Roth for underwriting our picnic once again with the generous use of their grounds at the "Mekhaye". "Mekhaye" (mek-ka-ya) means "refreshment. It is an area abound with oaks, cedars, pines, firs, madrones, birds and wildlife. (Click here to visit: www.mekhaye.com.)

• BBQ Teriyaki Chicken
• Hot Dogs
• Chow Mein
• Fried Rice
• Salads
• Sushi
• Desserts
• Beverages (alcohol-free)

• Live Auction by Steve O'Rourke
• Silent Auction
• Mahjong
• Horseshoeing
• Board games
• Swing dancing by Susan McGuire
• Tai-chi by Elaine Christensen
• Taiko by Grass Valley Taiko
• Music by Al Martinez; The Nevada County Regulators; and Barbara and Roger "Smooth Sounds"
• Swimming and relaxation by the lake (no life guard on duty)

Directions: From "Highway 49 North - Downieville," turn left. At the stoplight, turn right onto North Bloomfield. Go 1/2 mile to the "Y" and go right. Continue on North Bloomfield for another 1/6 miles. The driveway is on the left, after you pass Bush Road. Follow road down and you will be directed to park by the lake.

CATS Can Cook!
Discovering Culture Through Food
11:00 am - 3:00 pm,
Saturday, September 9 2006
Location: To Be Advised

Chinese Cuisine

Taught by Minnie Yee and Jan Berliner
$40/each

Our very popular Asian cooking series with CATS Can Cook! is being reprised. Not only are Minnie Yee and Jan Berliner great teachers of mahjong (see section on mahjong), but they can certainly cook too! They taught a Chinese cooking class a couple of years ago and it was hit!

This year, they will be teaching us how to make:

• Wontons in broth
• Honey-pecan shrimp
• Gourmet Chicken Wings
• Gai-lon (Chinese broccoli) and beef in black bean sauce
• Rice

Minnie has great stories to tell while she's cooking. Learn how to use Chinese spices, and sauces, and unique cooking techniques. Find out where you can purchase special ingredients. Immerse yourself in Minnie's childhood growing up in a famous Chinese restaurant in San Francisco's Chinatown!