City of Crestview recently issued the following announcement.
For Crestview and neighboring community residents who’d like to tread the boards, work backstage, run the front of house, or try a bit of everything, the formation of a community theatre troupe offers the opportunity to display their stagecraft.
An organizational meeting, open to the community, is planned for 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8 at Warriors Hall in the Whitehurst Municipal Building, 209 Stillwell Blvd.
Mayor J.B. Whitten sees launching the organization as a logical next step in forming local performing arts organizations, following the creation of the Crestview Community Chorus and partnering with the North Okaloosa Community Band, which launched several years ago.
“There’s no reason why a city of our size shouldn’t have a community theatre,” Mayor Whitten said. “We know the talent is out there.”
Previous theatre organizations relied on churches and ticket sales for revenue to cover hall rentals, script licenses, props, scenery and lighting equipment. However, the boxoffice take rarely covered the expenses of producing a play.
By bringing the community theatre under his Mayor’s Cultural Series, Mr. Whitten eliminates the expense of renting Crestview rehearsal and performance spaces such as the Community Center and Warriors Hall.
A preliminary meeting held before Christmas brought together the mayor and performing and visual arts buffs Meghan Schultz and Sarah Hawkins, with Crestview High School drama teacher Brittany Young and theatre professional Dee Hamilton unable to attend but eager to help launch the initiative.
While all were eager to someday produce some of theatre’s more challenging and thought-provoking works, the group agreed that popular shows such as comedies, musicals and dinner theatre fare will help get the troupe established and develop a following. Then a season of shows could follow, with subscription ticket sales to assure an audience and income.
The Feb. 8 meeting is open to anyone eager to launch and become part of a community theatre troupe. No previous theatre experience is necessary.
In addition to being a program of the Mayor’s Cultural Series, the new theatre organization will also fall under Crestview’s new Cultural Services Division.
Original source can be found here.
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