November 2000
In this issue . . .
Executive producer announces next season’s shows
Here are next season’s shows, dates, audition dates, and directors.
Lost in Yonkers
Board of Directors for 2001 Announced
|
Office |
Member |
|
President |
Jim Kirkwood |
|
Executive VP |
Norm Berger |
|
Treasurer |
David Keller |
|
Executive Producer |
Pat Ellis |
|
Benefits |
Jean Laustsen |
|
Building and Grounds |
Joe Spadafora Jr. |
|
Children’s Producer |
Phyllis Ecklemeyer |
|
Hospitality |
Debra Miscio and Sherrill Rittenmeyer |
|
Membership |
Scott Connard |
|
Publicity |
Lynne Anne Donchez and Anne Schmitt |
|
Secretary |
Patti Antrim |
|
Workshops |
Mike Russo |
Message from the President
Second, we completed every building improvement we aimed to complete, and we paid for them all too! Our barn is stronger, more attractive, and more comfortable to work in, thanks to a huge fundraising effort and the work of many, many key members. Great job!
Third, there was an orderly transition from the previous board to the new one, and I, for one, appreciate it.
Last, Town & Country is well positioned to continue to be the best community theatre in Bucks County!
So, what are the issues facing us in 2001? The first is financial. Our operating funds are low, a cause for concern as we plan fiscal operations for the coming year. A major note of praise, however, goes to our treasurer, David Keller, for securing substantial funding from outside sources. Keep it coming, David!
In light of our current financial state, producers and directors should keep in mind that production budgets must be rigorously adhered to and conservatively administered. There is no room for expenditures other than direct production costs.
The second issue is a long-term one with no easy solution — morale. As in any creative organization, we have a "people problem." We don’t have enough people involved in the day-to-day operations of the club to make T & C the continuously thriving community theater it deserves to be. As a result, too few end up doing the work of what should be too many.
Although we have a surplus of fine volunteer actors and directors, we are woefully short on volunteer technical staff, such as stage managers, lighting and sound designers and technicians, costume designers and costume makers, make-up artists, hair stylists, set designers and constructors, and, most especially, people to carry out administrative functions and special projects.
How can we solve this problem?
Combination meeting
In my plan, the Board would meet from 7 PM to 8 PM. The general membership would then meet from 8 to 9, after which we would hold what I call a showcase from 9 to 9:30. Actors could perform monologues, dialogues, or ensemble pieces. Aspiring directors could present short one-act plays. Technicians could teach members about lighting strategies or how sounds are chosen for a show.
Immediately after the showcase, we would hold a social event lasting until 11. Management of this BYOB happy hour would fall to our enormously capable hospitality staff. Members would be encouraged to bring non-members, who would gain entry for a donation of $5 per person.
I think a combination meeting like this could bring us closer to solving our morale problem. It would also supply additional revenue for the organization. We need to provide a social environment enticing enough to attract new members and thereby increase membership. Continuing to grow the membership is a core goal and, I believe, a key factor in the future of Town & Country.
Feedback needed
I look forward to hearing from members, patrons, and season ticket holders with ideas about improving Town & Country Players. Who will join me to bring unity and new vitality to our great group?
T & C members to dance the "Nutcracker"
The show is being presented by the Horizon Dance Alliance and will be held at Tamanend Middle School on Stuckert Road, Warrington, on November 24 and 25 at 7:30 PM and November 26 at 2 PM. Tickets are $15 and can be ordered by calling 215-957-1323.
News from the Board
Playreading
Pat urges anyone interested in serving on this critical group to contact her as soon as possible. Current committee members include Pat Petit, Ted Nordman, Gerri Flanagan, Jim Palmer, Anne Schmitt, and John and Donna Nicolazzo.
If you'd like the committee to consider a particular play or musical, please call Pat Ellis at 215-822-0455 or e-mail her at geriactor@aol.com. The first meeting is in early December, so get your suggestions in fast!
Box Office
Adult Producer
Benefits
Building and Grounds
Children’s Producer
The first show goes up on July 14 and 21. The second show will be performed on October 20 and 27. Show times are 11 AM and 2 PM. Tickets are $5 each for adults and children over 12 months of age.
Phyllis also reports that for both productions last season, T & C invited children from Christ’s Home in Warminster to attend dress rehearsals. The coordinators received a pile of thank-you notes from the kids, expressing their gratitude and enjoyment.
Hospitality
Membership
Along with your check, please also include your e-mail address, if you don’t mind sharing it. The Board would like to distribute The Limelight electronically to save postage costs but it needs e-mail addresses to do it. In addition, having e-mail addresses will help the Board communicate with the membership faster and more efficiently.
Dues should be sent to Scott Connard at 4800 Mountaintop Road West, New Hope, PA 18938.
Publicity
Workshops
Other news
Producers Needed!
www.backstage.com — Backstage.com, a slick theater resource with lots of news from the NY theater scene
www.theatredb.com — Internet Theater Database, a searchable archive of past, present, and future theatrical offerings, including shows from Broadway and London’s West End
www.rareplays.com — Playwrights on the Web, an international database of playwrights and their websites, offering directors, producers, and publishers a way to discover new plays and fresh talent
Editorial Board