Announcing
a new season is something Asheville Community Theatre has done for 70 years.
Announcing a new season with plays and musicals that are all new to the ACT
stage has been done before, too. But announcing a new season that accommodates
major theatre renovations, includes a new partnership, and consists of plays
never performed on the ACT stage (including a World Premiere) – well, that’s a
first for this long-running organization.
“Our
71st Season begins in a familiar way,” said Susan Harper, Executive
Director. “We’ll open with a big musical in October and then present a family
friendly holiday show in December. But after that, we’re forging into new
territory.”
Asheville
Community Theatre will open its 71st season with the musical
thriller Sweeney Todd, directed by Jerry Crouch.
“I
grabbed the LP of Sweeney Todd the second it hit the record stores in 1979. I
knew I was listening to Broadway history by then and still - arguably - the
most famous Broadway composer, Stephen Sondheim,” said Crouch. “Based on
London's mythical murderous "boogie man" Sweeney Todd, The Demon
Barber of Fleet Street, this mad musical comedy pulls out all the stops to scare,
fascinate, and hypnotize audiences. I am honored to direct this musical
masterpiece during the month of creepy goblins and dark shadows!”
Next
on the Mainstage is the World Premiere of Snowbound, a new play written by
Asheville native and winner of SART’s 2009 Scriptfest competition, Tom
Godleski. The play will include original bluegrass music played live onstage by
members of Buncombe Turnpike and Sons of Ralph.
“This
play was such a joy to write that I don’t even remember sitting down to work on
it,” said Godleski. “I have always wanted to write a Christmas song, and Snowbound
inspired me to write two! I am honored and blessed that Asheville Community
Theatre has chosen Snowbound for their 2016 season.”
In
January of 2017, Asheville Community Theatre plans to close its Mainstage
auditorium for much needed renovations. The project is expected to last approximately
6 months.
“We
are so grateful to the leadership of the board and other stakeholders who built
a permanent home for Asheville Community Theatre,” said Harper, speaking of the
current space where ACT performs which opened in 1972. “We’re excited to
upgrade and update the seating, the acoustics, the lighting and sound
equipment, and more. We’ll be rearranging the seating to include aisles. A
donor has pledged to loop the theatre so that patrons with hearing devices will
be able to hear what’s being said without needing any additional equipment.
Plus, the dressing rooms and the Green Room will get a full makeover. As any of
our volunteers can attest, this is long overdue!”
During
the time that the Mainstage is under renovations, the Mainstage season will
continue. ACT has partnered with the UNCA Drama Department to co-produce Peter
and the Starcatcher, which will be performed in the Carol Belk Theatre.
"The
UNC-Asheville Drama Department and our students are excited to be collaborating
with ACT on a joint production of Peter and the Starcatcher. Combining
student and loyal ACT audiences in our unique space at the Carol Belk Theatre
should produce a wonderful theatrical experience for all. We have had a
professional relationship where many of our students have performed or worked
backstage on productions at ACT and this gives us the opportunity to share our
space with the ACT community," said Rob Bowen, Chair of the Drama
Department.
The
Mainstage theatre will reopen in August 2017 with Broadway's most Tony
award-winning musical of all time, The Producers. It will also be
helmed by long-time musical director, Jerry Crouch.
“Now
that's the definition of a BIG Broadway musical! Where else can you see a
swishing dancing Hitler ... grannies in a walker dance routine ... all packed
together in a warm-hearted "bromance" based on a 1968 cult movie!” said
director Jerry Crouch.
In
35below, a slate of shows has been selected that enables ACT to partner with
other local theatre groups and producers. 35below is also host to two ongoing monthly
shows: Listen to This, a storytelling
series; and Olde Virden’s Super Happy
Trivia Challenge, a live panel-style game show. 35below will continue to
operate while the Mainstage undergoes the planned renovations.
In
addition, ACT offers Youth Production Classes and performances, Saturday
morning performances for families, student matinee performances for school
groups, and a Readers Theatre Showcase Series produced by their outreach group,
The Autumn Players. Two Special Events – Costume
Drama: A Fashion Show and Business
Sings Broadway – round out the season.
“We
are bursting at the seams,” explained Susan Harper, Executive Director. “So the
time is right to expand.”
The
growth in programming and audience numbers has ACT bursting at the seams. Over
the past 6 years, ACT leadership has undertaken organizational analysis of
operations and trends and developed a strategic plan designed to move ACT
through the next 70 years. The result of the work done is exciting. Since 2009,
ticket sales are up 62%, education programs have ballooned to accommodate 4,700
children and contributions are up 132 percent. Over 88% of the income at ACT is
earned versus contributed.
Future
plans call for the addition of a 150-200 seat black box theatre, expanded restrooms
and additional offices. The Blomberg Building across the parking lot will
become an education complex with additional rehearsal space. The expanded space
will enable ACT to increase programming to meet community needs and in doing
so, increase earned income to support operations.
“We’ve been in the quiet phase of a capital
campaign for several months,” shared Harper. “Lead gifts are coming in from
individuals, local businesses and foundations. And naming opportunities are
still available.”
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