Another evening at the theatre!

As I mentioned previously, I don't go down to the theatre that much (except to see the shows!). Well, that is in comparison to those who are cast or crew for a production. The publicity world for a theatre is either my home or out and about. However, on occasion I am at the theatre for a meeting or what not, as was the case last night.

I love it when I go down there and see all the activity. The Theatre Operating Committee (TOC) was meeting in the office. Parents were waiting in the lobby, among a lot of Halloween decorations. Zombie Prom was completing "Hell Week" on the main stage. In the Black Box, Down The Road was in researshal. And upstairs (you did know we had an upstairs, didn't you?), Everything Is Not Enough was rehearsing. Space is often an issue with so much going on!

"Hell Week" is the week a show opens. Final rehearsals, costumes, set, lighting, sound - it's time to wrap everything up and put on the show for an audience. Zombie Prom is nearly sold out for all three performances. That is very exciting for all of us!

Down The Road is coming in literally on the heels of Zombie Prom. Last night Jeff Allen was in the tech booth. The set is almost complete. They have come up with yet another configuration for the flexible black box auditorium. If you like Stephen King, mysteries, thrillers, and the like - you will enjoy the suspenseful Down The Road. Come early for opening night, November 6, because there will be a Belly Dance Show from 7 to 8 on the main stage. The cost is $5 and all funds will go to benefit charity.

Upstairs, the teens were busy with Everything Is Not Enough rehearsals. In the photo are Kyle, Jake, and Michaela. Kyle has the starring role in the teen drama. The teens are working very hard for this show - from cast to crew. This will give them a lot of experience on all aspects of theatre, including concessions, ushering, even my area of publicity.

Finally, in the meeting I was in with the TOC (not nearly exciting as everywhere else in the theatre!), budgets were discussed, updates on current shows were given, and plans were made for 2010. I usually tune out discussions on dimmer packs (I think it has something to do with lighting!) and other technical stuff. The meeting usually involves more tasks for me!

Darren, our artistic director, has been overseeing pitch meetings for the 2010 shows. He really wanted directors who were going to be passionate about a show. He wanted someone to come in and say "I really want to do this show and here's why!" They have more pitches to come, but four directors have been chosen. They are:

What The Butler Saw by Joe Orton: Lenny Lees
Death of A Salesman by Arthur Miller: Trey Stephens
Cabaret by Joe Masteroff: Paul Conroy
Psycho Beach Party by Charles Busch: Jeff Allen

If you would like to pitch Miracle on 34th Street, Fuddy Meers, or The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, those meetings will be held in November. Contact Darren to schedule. Additionally, if you would like to pitch children's shows for the black box, that is a need that needs to be filled at this time.

So there it is - another evening at the theatre. What a benefit to the community - from giving teens something productive to do to entertaining Newnan - the theatre is. I hope to see you there!