Typical Monday at NCTC

This past Monday I was down at the theatre as my daughter has rehearsals for Tim Wright's The Pied Piper of Hamelin.

While there it was wonderful to see how busy the theatre was for a Monday evening. I'm not sure the community realizes how active the theatre is.

In the lobby Hollie Schwartz was leading a group of ladies in a belly dancing class. They are fun to watch and certainly not shy!

Renee Gentry was cleaning the bathrooms. I'm not sure she realized that helping husband Sam with house duties meant that task. Well Renee, you join a long list of NCTC volunteers who've had to spend more time in the bathroom than we desired!

In the office, managing director Rick Olsen was holding his usual Monday evening office hours. He was meeting with Special Events Coordinator Katie Ashley. Katie's next main event will be a murder mystery.

On the main stage, Odd Couple preparations were in full gear for a dress rehearsal. Jeff Allen, Sarah Jordan, and their crew have made an incredible set. We have done some complicated sets in the past (the two tiered Noises Off set comes to mind), and Jeff's moving walls will join the ranks. A city landscape was really beautiful. It had originally been created, but not used, for a previous show, I was told. On the left of the stage viewers will get to peak into Odd Couple's kitchen. With a refridgerator, sink, cabinets, and more, this is one of the most complete sets that will hardly be seen!

Every Odd Couple cast and crew member were busily working on tasks. John Paul Phillips was attempting to age himself with makeup. He had gotten a whole bag of old make up from his wife.

Scott Pollak admitted he really did used to own a pair of plaid pants. I cannot believe people used to wear them (and unfortunately still do). He told me to just wait until I see his tacky shirt! In glasses and suspenders, Sam Gentry looked as if he had time travelled from the 1970s and didn't know where he was or what he was doing.

On the previous Thursday, parents were painting backdrops for The Pied Piper of Hamelin outside the black box. They were really enjoying it and this night they were looking for more to do while they waited.

In the black box, Laurel Alford was having a rehearsal. There is a huge cast of children for this show. Laurel has created a mini set, which everyone has enjoyed looking at. There were lots and lots of little rat children running around.

Yes, NCTC is alive and well. I hope to see you down at the theatre soon!