TAPE FACE America's Got Talent Finalist - Sunday October 17, 2021 - 7pm Armstrong Theatre - Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation
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TAPE FACE
America’s Got Talent Finalist
Sunday October 17, 2021 – 7pm
Armstrong Theatre
TORRANCE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION
OUR MISSION
In partnership with the City of Torrance, The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation’s
mission is to enrich the community through the performing arts by providing diverse
cultural, educational and entertainment experiences of the highest quality.
OUR VISION
The shared vision of the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation is to enrich the lives
of all those within the City of Torrance and surrounding communities through the
performing arts. By presenting relevant, accessible and quality performances of all
genres, we bridge cultural divides, inspire the young, support economic development
and begin conversations relevant to the human condition.
THANK YOU TO THE CITY COUNCIL AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION for
their continued support of TOCA and the Arts in the South Bay
Patrick J. Furey, Mayor Cultural Arts Commission
Heidi Ann Ashcraft, Councilmember Randy Klinenberg (Chair)
George K. Chen, Councilmember Michelle Polcari (Vice Chair)
District #2
Steven Hsiao
Mike Griffiths, Councilmember
District #6 Lynda Kraemer
Sharon Kalani, Councilmember Totran Radke
District #4 Toni Sargent
Aurelio Mattucci, Councilmember Melissa Wright
(At-Large)
Jack Walser, Councilmember
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation would like to
acknowledge that the Armstrong Theatre is located
on the traditional and ancestral territory of the Tongva
people in the Swaanga Village. We ask you to join
us in acknowledging the Tongva community, their
elders both past and present, as well those of future
generations. www.tongvapeople.com
Welcome back! We are so glad to have you join us LIVE for
another great evening of entertainment at the Torrance Cultural
Arts Center. Whether you have been a loyal ticket holder for 25
years or this is your first time in the theatre we are thrilled to have
you join us.
Last year during the shutdown I was certainly grateful for all the
livestreamed events and staying connected in the “chat rooms”
but there is nothing like hearing the instruments live, feeling the passion of the
performers and the enthusiasm of your fellow theatre goers in an in-person
LIVE performance.
We have a great line up this year that we are sure you will love but are always
looking for your feedback and suggestions as to what you would like TOCA bring
to you.
Part of TOCA’s mission is to keep the arts accessible to as many as possible, to that
end we strive to bring you high quality performances as the most reasonable ticket
prices possible.
If you would like to support us further, feel free to fill our “tip jar” on the website or
by texting “TOCAlive” to 44321. You can also be notified of last minute addition to
the season by joining our mailing on the website or by texting “TOCA” to 22828.
On behalf of the entire TOCA Board, welcome.
Athena Paquette Cormier
President
We are excited to share with you our lineup for our 2021/2022
season. Some of these shows were scheduled prior to the
shutdown and others are new offerings.
While we are planning to be opening up at 100% capacity in
the Armstrong Theatre, we want you to know that your health,
safety and comfort are our first priority. TOCA will continue to
work with the City of Torrance to make sure the most current
Covid protocols are in place for your safety.
For the time being, we are holding off on presenting our Studio Cabaret Series
in the Nakano, simply because it is such an intimate space. However, if we see
an opportunity to resume these performances, you will be the first to know… so
follow Athena’s advice and sign up for our email list or be sure to follow us on
social media.
As always, if there is anything we can do to make your time with us more
enjoyable, please let us know by emailing us at info@torrancearts.org.
Christian Wolf, Executive Director
Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation Assisted listening devices available.
Ask the House Manager or usher for assistance.
Sunday November 7, 2021 – 2 & 6pm
During the Stunt Dog Experience you will
witness some of the most incredible stunts
ever performed by dogs. It’s not just a show,
it’s an experience! The experience has
amazing tricks, big air stunts, comedy antics,
dancing dogs, athletic feats, and is the most
entertaining show of its kind.
stuntdogshow.com
Buy Tickets at torrancearts.org
DALA With support from the
Consulate General of Canada
Saturday January 29, 2022 – 8pm
Some of you may remember this
amazingly talent duo from their
streaming performance they did
during the theatre’s closure.
Juno nominees and winners
of the 2010 Canadian
Folk Music Award for
Vocal Group of the
Year, Amanda
Walther and
Sheila Carabine
of Dala write
and sing in
harmony best
described as angelic.
Buy Tickets at
torrancearts.org
Saturday February 12, 2022 – 8pm
Celebrate America’s most prolific songwriter and Songwriter’s Hall of Fame
inductee with singers Laura Ellis and John Adkison, and musicians.
You know his music, even if you don’t think you do… you do.
Buy Tickets at torrancearts.org
Friday April 22, 2022 – 8pm
Having played to sold-out
crowds across the world,
ABBAFAB is a stunning
tribute to the music of
ABBA. This multimedia
production is a tribute
to some of the greatest
music produced
including monster hits
such as Waterloo,
Fernando, Honey Honey,
Dancing Queen and
countless others.
Buy Tickets at
torrancearts.org
Sam Wills aka TAPE FA
CE
America’s Got Talent Finalist
A former circus and street performer in his native New Zealand, Sam Wills AKA
Tape Face began performing as the unique silent stand up, ‘The Boy With Tape
On His Face’ in 2008. A runaway success in the Antipodes, he racked up multiple
award winning performances, including ‘Best Show,’ ‘Best Show Concept,’ ‘People’s
Choice,’ and a nomination for ‘Best Newcomer’ at Melbourne Comedy Festival.
Tape Face first brought his magical brand of physical comedy and unbelievable feats
of the imagination to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2010, where the show was an
unmitigated debut success, receiving a Foster’s Comedy Award nomination for Best
Newcomer.
2011’s Fringe show brought a bigger venue and a
sold out run, as the Tape Face’s universal appeal
began to spread to previously uncharted territory.
Following a UK tour of his seminal show, Wills returned
to Edinburgh with new physical japery in the form
of ‘More Tape.’ Selling out the 750-seater Pleasance
Grand on a nightly basis, it was clear to see that Tape
Face was having the show of the Fringe.
His appeal having transcended boundaries of age,
language and culture, it was no surprise to see him
receive the Fosters Panel Award and 11 five-star
reviews.
Tape Face is a character with universal appeal. Delightful, wry, many-layered, and
hilarious, Wills accesses an inner child in us all that must be fed. Through simple,
clever, and charming humour, aimed at satisfying that hunger, he creates the most
accessible and enjoyable shows the world has ever seen.
Drawing on a heritage that includes silent film, mime, magic, puppetry, Motown,
and the films of Patrick Swayze, Tape Face is a pensive, curious soul approaching
every object and audience member as a potential friend – or plaything. Shoes sing,
empty dresses dance, and electrical tape blossoms into roses, Wills creates a world
of possibilities where the only certainty is laughter.
Having become Britain’s favourite silent Comedian, Tape Face travelled to L.A.,
and performed in front of Simon Cowell, Mel B, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel, on
season 11 of America’s Got Talent, which was aired on NBC to 11 million viewers.
The audition went viral, earning him the YouTube Rewind Viral Artist 2016 Award,
and has so far been viewed over 45 million times on YouTube. He completely won
over every studio audience he performed to, and after many rounds, and much
strong competition, became a celebrated Finalist — receiving standing ovations
with his totally unique style.
Following a stunning 2016 — during which he made his debut in Las Vegas, reached
the finals of America’s Got Talent, became a viral sensation as one of the most
viewed videos in AGT history, completed a sold-out 52 date tour of some of the
UK’s most iconic venues, and successfully persuaded a Spice Girl to wear a toilet
seat on her head, live on American TV, in front of an audience of over 14 million
— Tape Face started his highly anticipated residency at the Flamingo, Las Vegas
and went on a U.S. regional tour, bringing fans his unique show, his appeal having
transcended boundaries of age, language, and culture.
In 2017 Tape Face performed a season in London’s West End at the Garrick Theatre,
went onto a sell out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, made a successful return
to the Flamingo in Las Vegas, and a tour of the USA, Norway, and Germany. In 2018
Tape Face returned to Christchurch Buskers Festival, then embarked on a regional
U.S. tour. The ‘America’s Got Talent’ alumnus
announced a multi-year residency at Harrah’s Las
Vegas, and although his show contains no dialogue,
his return to Sin City was louder than ever. In
conjunction with his new show, Harrah’s Las Vegas
premiered a uniquely customised theatre, named the
‘House of Tape;’ an intimate 200 seat venue, created
especially for Tape Face.
Every year promises to be a bigger, brighter, and
more spectacular re-imagining of his unique and
special brand of silent comedy. This truly is comedy
made for everyone, guests must be prepared to
get involved and enraptured, as they step inside a
comedy world unlike any other. Visually stunning, heart-stopping, and hilarious —
you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and when it’s all over you’ll be completely lost for words.
Smash hit talent series ‘America’s Got Talent: The Champions’ aired in the U.S. in
January 2019, on NBC, where viewers were treated to an incredible showcase of the
very best acts from the Got Talent Global franchise.
Hosted by Brooklyn Nine-Nine star Terry Crews, this new edition of AGT takes
specially selected contestants from across the globe and puts them in competition
with each other, for the first time. Bringing winners and the most notable contestants
such as Susan Boyle, Paul Potts, Colin Cloud, and Lost Voice Guy from seasons 1–13
back to the Got Talent studios, head-to-head, to see who is the ultimate top act,
and Tape Face was chosen to make a triumphant return in episode 4, receiving a
phenomenal response.
Tape Face has evolved — now with two further performers, who have worked
extensively with the original, Sam Wills, through the gruelling training process, to be
able to mimic this prestigious character. As the Tape Face brand grows larger and
larger each year, the demand for performers increases across the globe, and we are
thrilled to be able to bring TAPE FACE to three different continents in 2020.
Go Backstage with TOCA!
Click here to watch
our interview with
Sam Wills
aka TAPE FACE
TORRANCE CULTURAL
ARTS FOUNDATION
SAVE
THE
DATE
SOUTHBAY FESTIVAL JUNE
OF THE ARTS
FREE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
Enjoy a day filled with the Arts at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center.
Featuring performances on 3 stages, Art workshops, Artisan Crafts
25
2022
Fair, Food/wine/beer and fun for the entire family! 11AM–5PMPraise for Tape Face Recent Awards
“utterly spectacular! Endlessly 2019 – Star of Britain’s Got Talent: The
inventive, hysterically funny. Sublime Champions, ITV and Star of America’s
physical lunacy – fight for a ticket.” Got Talent: The Champions, NBC
– Tim Arthur, Time Out
2016 – The NZ Comedy Guild Awards
“A truly magical experience” – Outstanding Artist Achievement /
– Chortle You Tube Rewind - Viral Artist / NBC’s
America’s Got Talent – Finalist / 2016
“the last word in silent comedy” – Time Out Dubai Music & Nightlife
– The Guardian Awards – Best Comedy
“simply joyous, sometimes 2014 – Adelaide Fringe Awards – Best
mesmerising” Comedy and Pick of The Fringe
- The Times
2013 – Chortle Best Variety Act
“So funny… I absolutely love you,
congratulations” – Simon Cowell 2012 – Fosters Edinburgh Comedy
Award - Panel Award
“Tape Face’s command of his art form is
truly masterful... will fill you to the brim 2012 – New Zealand Comedy Festival
with childish glee.. will leave even the Fred Award Nomination
most stone-faced grown up grinning
like a kid at Christmas” 2011 – Chortle Breakthrough Act
– Broadway Baby
2010 – Fosters Edinburgh Comedy
Award – Best Newcomer Nomination
2010 – NZ comedy Guild Kevin Smith
Artistic Achievement Award
2009 – Adelaide Fringe: Advertisers
Award, Comedy Award and
Support AwardSPECIAL THANKS!
SEASON PARTNER $500 — ANGELS
City of Torrance Bennett Barbakow (In Memory of
Mary P. Miller)
OUR PARTNER — $50,000+ Patricia Kromka
Olds Family Trust Ted & Carolyn Porter
Frank & Barbara Tyrell
$10,000–$49,999 — STARS (In Memory of Dr. Owen Griffith)
QuinStar Technology, Inc.
Robinson Helicopter Company $250 — FRIENDS
Surf Management, Inc. Carolyn Anderson
Dan & Heidi Ashcraft
$5,000–$9,999 — CO-STARS Barbara Barker (In Memory of
Athena Paquette Cormier Mary P. Miller)
Eravant J. Gary & Diane Hastings
Pelican Products Glen & Fumiko Isobe
Providence Little Company of Mary Lynda Kraemer (In Memory of Mary P.
Sares-Regis Group Miller & Howard Korman)
Gesuina Lafayette
$2,500–$4,999 — PRODUCERS Russell & Carole Lefevre
Jean Adelsman Gerald & Carol Marcil
(In Memory of Mary P. Miller) Warren Morse
Continental Development Corporation Lori Nolan
Jane & Jim Isomoto Bill Oberholzer
Fred & Ann Peitzman
$1,000–$2,499 — DIRECTORS David Reyna
Jeffrey C. & Margo Baker Barbakow Nancy Richards
(In Memory of Mary P. Miller) Patrick Rue, Erosion Wine
Dolores Charroux Maxine Trevethen
(In Memory of Mary P. Miller) Marilyn Van Oppen
Brian & Heidi Cunningham
Ann & Marty Gallagher (In Memory of $100 — FANS
Mary P. Miller & Dr. Owen Griffith) Kathleen Davis
Ted Gardner (In Memory of Mary P. Miller) Helen Dennis
Dale Korman Karen Dougherty
Rod & Crystal Macdonell (In Memory of Mary P. Miller)
Nancy & George Mannon Wayne & Andrea Eads
Ellenmary Michel Lynn Fernandez
Camilla Seferian Debra Frank
Wendy Shu & George Yang (In Recognition of Jean Adelsman)
Ritas Smith & Associates Patrick & Terry Furey
(In Memory of Mary P. Miller)
Phyllis Guagenti (In Memory of
Mary P. Miller)
May E. Ikeda Cambra
(In Memory of Mary P. Miller)
Kathryn Joiner
Tammy KhanSherry & Ian Kramer Andrea & Ron Perez
(In Memory of Mary P. Miller) (In Memory of John Popovich)
John Maroney (In Memory of Mary P. Steve Sauer
Miller) (In Memory of Mary P. Miller)
Frank & Marilyn Miles Laura Savitz
Fred Missman Birgit Snodgrass
James & Paula Moscato Maurine Swilley
(In Memory of Mary P. Miller) (In Memory of Mary Ann Bradford)
Ted & Anita Nakajima Randi Tahara
George & Helen Nakano Hazel Taniguchi
Diane Numark Mike Terre
Old Torrance Neighborhood Ray & Estela Uchima
Association Dorothy Warner-Jeheber
Kurt Weideman & Sue Golden
TORRANCE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION BOARD
Katy Geissert, Founding President ADVISORY BOARD
Heidi Ashcraft
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE David Benoit
Athena Paquette Cormier, President Jonathan Beutler
Gesuina Lafayette, Vice President Shannon Dean
Heidi Cunningham, Secretary Scott Douglas
Camilla Seferian, Treasurer Donna Duperron
Lori Nolan, Member At Large Steve Fechner
Wendy Shu, Member At Large Patrick Furey
Ellenmary Michel, Past President Ann Gallagher
Mikko Haggott-Henson
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sherry Kramer
Jean Adelsman George Mannon, EdD
David Kartsonis George Nakano
Tammy Khan Steve Napolitano
Sacha Ohara Bill Oberholzer
Laura Savitz Ted Porter
Rhandy Siordia Mark Smith
Birgit Snodgrass Ritas Smith
Kurt Weideman
STAFF
Christian Wolf, Executive Director
Sharon Sapigao, Administration
Susan Lyon, Artist Hospitality
Tes Schaff, Graphic DesignNOVEMBER JANUARY
6 Brian Owens & Soul, 8pm 8 South Bay’s Got Talent, 7pm
7
Stunt Dog Experience, 29 Dala, 8pm
2&6pm
FEBRUARY
Django Festival All Stars,
21 Paul Williams Songbook,
7pm 12 8pm
DECEMBER
19 December ‘63, 8pm
Art & Study of Taiko Recital,
11 Dancing with the SB Stars,
6pm 26 7pm
Art & Study of Taiko Concert,
12 2pm
For more information or to purchase tickets, please call
(310) 781-7171 or visit TorranceArts.orgYou can also read
