Some of the many volunteers who power the Auburn Area Community Theatre fill us in on their upcoming Sceneworks. Just click on the button below to listen or check us out on iTunes!
When I arrived at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center to talk to some of the folks from the Auburn Area Community Theatre, they were already rehearsing a number for their annual Sceneworks. Quietly, I unpacked my recording gear and starting capturing a bit of their work. When they wrapped up, I asked the AACT’s Andrea Holmes who I would be interviewing. I should probably have asked who I wouldn’t be interviewing, because I was delighted to find that pretty much every one of the group’s volunteers on hand was eager to step up.
I shouldn’t have been surprised. Mounting a theatrical production is a huge undertaking for any company and to take on that kind of work with volunteers calls for a special kind of passion. The AACT presents several full productions throughout the year and even when they claim to slow down in the summer for their annual collection of short scenes, they still aim high. This year’s Sceneworks has a theme of musical theatre, so there’s choreography to consider for a number like “Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now” from Hairspray. Their choices are ambitious, too, like “A Little Priest” from Sweeney Todd and “What Is This Feeling?” from Wicked. And, in the case of “Maybe This Time” from Cabaret, the song is framed in an original scene authored by one of the actors.
As one of the actors said to me, “Why would you want to sit at home and watch TV when you could be out enjoying the theatre.” The point is well taken whether you’re onstage, backstage, or enjoying the show from the audience.
Auburn Area Community Theatre presents Musical Theatre Sceneworks on Tuesday, August 3rd at 7:00 p.m. at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center (222 E. Drave Ave.). The event is free and open to the public and will also feature the AACT annual membership meeting.
– Kelly Walker
once again great to hear people talk about loving what they’re doing! keep up the good work.