Think summertime means quiet time around the ole’ playhouse? A casual drive by reveals the truth–the hive is alive with activity!  And that’s a good thing! While we are temporarily basking in the glow of our 90th season, both a financial and artistic success (if we do say so ourselves), we are hard at work on our 91st.  The incoming Board of Directors, helmed by the rapscallion author of this blog, takes the artistic reigns at their first meeting of the year on July 14 @ 7 p.m. at the playhouse (y’all welcome!).

P@W, our erstwhile gang of residential authors, has a slate of one-act plays in rehearsal leading up to the popular Annual One Act Festival to be held July 26 – 28.  Seats for this event are sold as general admission; you want to get to the playhouse early and claim your spot. Currently the festival producers are juggling for space as five casts tango about places to rehearse.  Just this week, we had one cast on stage, one in the lobby, and a third in the green room.

During the day the “baby bees” breathlessly buzz about (don’cha just love alliteration?) deep in rehearsal for the Village Players Youth Theatre Summer Camp production of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid.”  Love to see those kids in action with their energy and enthusiasm for putting on a show.  There may be hope for the future of theater after all!  Tickets are $5 for general admission and are on sale at the theater during camp hours (M – F, 9 – 3)! Show dates are July 17 & 18 at 7:00 p.m. and July 18 at noon.

Not to be outdone, the Board of Trustees (the more somber of our managing Boards) is in the final stages of setting the budget for the 2013-14 season, including a capital improvement budget to keep the building up and running for the next 12 months (improving the rigging system, the lighting system, platform storage, etc). Work continues on the all-important Village Players Centennial Endowment Fund, with a formal launch, initial funding and fundraising set for some time in August. We know our members will respond to this plea to put a permanent financial base under Village Players, guaranteeing its survival for the next 100 years! (Think of all those additional picture of Presidents hanging in the Green Room!)

Finally, the first show of the 2013 Season, “Regrets Only” has been cast!  Auditions were held this past week and Director Carl Jones reports a good turnout and a great cast, many of whom you’re sure to recognize!  While individual show tickets are not quite ready for sale, you will soon be receiving your opportunity to purchase season tickets for the 91st Season!  What a great way to kick-off our artistic year!  If every member purchased a pair of season tickets, for themselves, or as a gift for family members, friends, business partners or customers, we could easily double our annual season ticket sales!  Think about it won’t you?? –Gary Mach