Grand Marais Playhouse is a major hub of activity this month. First up, Theater Sports at 7p.m. on March 16 at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts. This is improvisational theater with a competitive sports angle. Audience participation is very important. The public is invited to come cheer on the high school students as they perform in this show. Thisevent is fun for all.
Grand Marais Playhouse Director Sue Hennessy will soon be posting applications for two to four summer high school interns. This is an opportunity for students to learn about scenic painting, lights, sets, front of the house, and more. Director Hennessy requires each intern to be a stage manager for one of the summer shows. This paid position runs from June through August. It is a “winwin” position as the student garners valuable theater experience and the interns provide the Playhouse with muchneeded staff!
Area businesses are encouraged to set aside a little money this spring so they can purchase space for advertising in the Playhouse programs. We will be sending out sponsorship forms soon. As the Playhouse puts out about 500 programs each show, this manner of supporting the Playhouse is an effective way to reach a captive audience.
This beautiful ocean painting will be the backdrop for the Grand Marais Playhouse production of Treasure Island which opens April 22. Seven local artists painted for 10 days to create this 18-foot by 26-foot painting. Pictured are Gina Macy, Emily Ulhorn, Jan Attridge and Beth Olson. (Not Pictured: Kurt Anderson, Gerry Grant and Sue Hennessy)
The Lake Superior Community Theater in Silver Bay will be presenting its spring musical The Little Shop of Horrors on April 9, 10, 11 and April 17 and 18 in the Silver Bay High School auditorium. The Grand Marais Playhouse has lent some equipment to Silver Bay for this production and we are excited to be supportive of their theater program.
Director Hennessy is taking two people with her to the United States Institute of Theater Technology in Kansas City later this month. This conference provides an intense look at different aspects of theater as well as a venue to gather new ideas for shows. Hennessy is shopping for sound and lighting software and will be attending several seminars.
And patience, Mates. Treasure Island is coming along well and in just over a month we will be able to attend performances. The actors’ progress is fabulous and everything points to this being an exciting production. It is easy to be impressed by the commitment of the crew involved in this. Rehearse, rehearse and rehearse!
On March 18-23, Annie Enneking, a professional choreographer, will be working on the stage combat scenes. Yes, the “real” swords (all six of them) are arriving soon. What an honor it is to be able to be guided by a professional on the combat parts of this play.
In fact, it seems that all Playhouse productions have this honor. We recognize how fortunate we are to have so much talent within our community and a director who is able to bring in talent from outside our community when needed. Thisis just one of numerous reasons why Treasure Island will be so much fun to see.
The sea drop background is done. Led by Jan Attridge and seven other artists, it took 10 days to complete this work. It measures 18’ by 26’ and will now serve as a backdrop in Treasure Island. It is well worth a stop by the Playhouse to see this magnificent creation.
What’s next? Building the set. We are in need of help for some simple construction and lots of painting. A willingness to help is the only requirement for this. We will be working on set construction and painting from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 on Sundays. This is another fun opportunity to volunteer some time to help out our community theater.
As you can see, the Playhouse is never a quiet place. There is always activity and always the opportunity to learn, volunteer and have fun. Stop by!
Playhouse Board Member Maureen O’Phelan provides this behind the scenes look at Grand Marais Playhouse activities.
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