New Season - here we come!

Well, our 31st season has been decided and it is amazing...actually we are so blessed, almost ALL of them have been amazing. We've made a few "iffy" choices, but basically we have balanced and formidable seasons. The economy has hit us more this year than any other. Folks aren't budgeting entertainment much, I suppose. Our ticket sales have been at an all time low. In my mind, "escape" to a nearby stage is therapy you must budget. But that is just me, and I'm pretty passionate about theatre arts!

You can check out our website soon and it will have all our dates and shows listed at www.westthill.com.

Quack...quack...quack...HONK!

We had nearly 70 auditioners recently for "Honk, Jr." ! We only had 10 roles for children, but they flocked in (get the pun?)! The auditions were difficult with so many in attendance, but we managed and even managed to have FUN, too.

"Honk" is a great piece and should be a lot of fun to produce. We wound up casting 25 and it will be crowed back stage, but we've done it before. With more than able help, we should have a great production.

Onward and upward my fine feathered friends!

Busy...busy...busy

PLAY READING WEEK was the most successful ever! We averaged about 12 each evening and the "goodies" served were as always, scrumptious! The play were well received. Even the serious dramas were appreciated, but we aren't sure we will produce too many, as our survey this year overwhelming showed our patrons was COMEDY! "Life is too dire," many said. We will continue to try and balance our season in an artistic manner.

So...now the task of fixing a slate of plays for the Board to approve and setting the calendar for NEXT SEASON...it comes by so quickly!

Onward and upward!

"Play Reading Week" up soon

Well, "Doubt" has closed...what a powerful show it was! Our ticket sales were low on this one. Folks don't seem to prefer much drama in their lives these days...can't say as I blame them. But this was a goodie! Pulitzer Prize winning, lots of layers, incredibly well-constructed dialogue, it was a pristine drama. 2 NEW actors took the stage with storming talent. It was a great experience for this director.

Now onto our next project: The vehicle that helps us plan our seasons - PLAY READING WEEK. We will all sit around a table and read the plays we are considering for next season. Diverse and fun.

Until next time - see you "on stage, behind the stage on behind the scenes"....!

3 show rehearsing at same time!

It isn't often that we have THREE SHOWS rehearsing at the same time...but we do right now! "Doubt" is about to open next week and that cast and crew is in the main theatre. "Sylvia" is having some transition, one of the cast members, a dear friend and player is having some health problems and had to drop out. But they WILL survive and so we pray real hard will our dear friend. "Sylvia" is rehearsing in the Wing until after next week. "The Miracle Worker" is rehearsing whenever/wherever they can hang their collective hats until "Sylvia" moves.

Confused? Me too. But what FUN we are having!

onward and upward!

"Doubt" coming soon

I wasn't supposed to direct "Doubt"....Liz Orndorff, one of our directors and long time supporters was supposed to direct it. But Liz is a playwright, an author and all around busy gal trying to make her mark in the literary world so...she up and "won" a fellowship to write in Taos, New Mexico for 3 months. I can't imagine that she chose that opportunity over directing community theatre! At any rate, she is out there in the mountains trying to create and be famous and we are struggling back here in Danville to mount this incredible play by John Patrick Shanley!

It opens on March 17th for just 5 performances! To get tickets call our Box Office at 859-319-0205.

Our cast is incredible, featuring our founders' daughter, Paula Hill, Marc Roland, newcomers - Jo Newton and Dawn Baker. The talented Alice Berka is assisting me and we are well on our way in presenting this incredible drama.

The theatre is busier than ever with prep for PLAY READING WEEK. We've auditioned and cast two shows in the last month, "Sylvia" and "The Miracle Worker"...so THREE SHOWS are in rehearsal at the same time.

Personally, I feel a little spent, but exhilirated at the same time. I've been involved in this process for so long, I mostly take it in stride. But the process can be tedious and worrisome. There is so much "undercover" work that has to be done, i.e., costumes, set pieces, props, set dressing, painting, procuring unsual props, lighting, advertising, paperwork...it goes on...It is amazing how much work and energy goes into a community theatre production. The idea of Judy Garland's famous line - "let's put on a show" is ludicrous. It take a village, a community, and lots of effort.

In spite of everything, I am thrilled to be a part of it all!

See you "on stage, behind the stage, or in the audience"!

Play Reading Week coming soon...

Our ANNUAL PLAY READING WEEK is upon us. This is a great tool to help choose our season. We started this in an effort to give folks who don't like to be on stage, don't want to audition, but DO like to read good plays in an informal setting. So, for a few days we meet, have scrumptious snacks and good coffee and read outloud all the plays that we might be considering for the next year. It is fun, alive and informative. This year, we will begin on Sunday afternoon, March 7th and each evening thru Wednesday. IF you have a play, let us know so we can get it ready to read!