Arts Devo

Something wicked this way comes A new theater group has plans to start up in Chico next fall, and it will hit the boards with a bold opening statement. The debut production of Legacy Stage will be an outdoor showing of Macbeth in Bidwell Park’s Cedar Grove. Not only is the troupe tackling Shakespeare’s great tragedy, but it’ll be presenting it a dozen times throughout the month of October (Oct. 3-Nov. 3).

Legacy is being launched by a group of local theater folks who decided to pool their resources to collaborate on projects, according to co-founder Erin Horst, who teaches theater at Inspire School of Arts & Sciences and Chico State. Horst’s co-conspirators are actress and Chico State Theater lecturer Jami Witt and local actress/director Lara Tenckhoff.

Macbeth is already cast, with John Crosthwaite in the title role, Witt as Lady Macbeth, Witt’s husband and Chico State Music and Theater Department professor Matthew Teague Miller directing. Horst said that the intention with this first production isn’t to try and create a new Shakespeare in the Park; rather the group is focused on presenting intimate, low-tech performances of Macbeth in the outdoors. In fact, seating will be limited to 20-25 audience members.

Arts DEVO will share more info on tickets, dates and times as he gets it.

Theater camp! The Blue Room’s youth theater camp program kicks off next week (for kids ages 6 to 16), and will feature four weeks’ worth of classes on “all aspects of theater: acting, design, improv, behind-the-scene responsibilities and etiquette.” The cost is $150 week (with $50 discount for signing up up for all four), and each week culminates with a short play. Email amber@blueroomtheatre.com to register.

Art grants The city of Chico’s transient-occupancy-tax-funded art grants are back and submissions can be made via the North Valley Community Foundation website at nvcf.org/city-of-chico-arts-grant-program. Grant amounts range from $2,000 to $5,000 and a total of $27,000 will be awarded to artists and arts organizations for projects that “deliver or provide support for the delivery of opportunities for the community to engage in arts and cultural experiences.” Deadline for submission is July 30.

Paint-and-spliff Making art while high is not a new concept. From the Green Fairy to LSD, mind-altering substances have played a role in the creative process of some of the most noteworthy painters, writers and musicians in history. And while weed surely already has inspired many a groovy all-night jam and colorful piece of art in our fun-loving city, now that pot is legal in Cali, there are more possibilities available.

To that end, the new Butte County Cannabis Art Club is offering “instructor-led, cannabis-friendly art classes.” With posters popping up around town calling for those who want to let their “creativity soar,” the group is seeking sign-ups for its smoke-friendly art workshops. It’s a strictly bring-your-own-pot (and 21-over) enterprise, but other materials are provided as part of the class fee. Currently on the schedule: a Bob Ross/Northern Lights-themed Paint and Smoke (July 13; $49 fee) and a sushi- and joint-rolling class (July 14; $69 fee). Visit buttecountycannabisartclub.com to sign up.