News
Ridgefield Theater Barn seeks talent for 2008-9 Season
Do you love the Theater? Have your been thinking about getting involved but are not sure how to start?
The Ridgefield Theater Barn is an open, friendly environment that encourages volunteerism and welcomes anyone with an interest in theater. While we have announced our new season we are far from ready to go to production! We could staff our main stage productions from our board of directors and current list of volunteers, but that is not our goal. We continuously strive to bring in new talent to direct, produce, act, and provide numerous backstage support activities. There truly is something for everyone with an interest. Drop us a note at theaterbarn@snet.net to find out how you can join our team in Ridgefield.
Now...to be specific: Take a look at our new season on this site. With the exception of our opening production, directors have not been selected. If you have an interest, we'd love to hear from you.
Is acting your forte? We still have openings for male actors in The House of Blue Leaves which opens at the Barn in September....We have completed our scheduled auditions so please get in touch with us if you feel you fit any of the roles.
Calling all playwrights! Time to dust off that creative masterpiece you have been working on. We are seeking submissions of original, unpublished plays for its ongoing Play Reading Series. Our staged reading series gives playwrights an opportunity to have their work presented in a professional venue with actors reading their lines and to receive constructive feedback from the audience through a “talk-back” session immediately following the performance.
During the season, one play will be selected to be performed on stage at the Theater Barn in black box format. A relatively recent innovation, black box is a production in which a full-length play is performed in a simple space—originally a room with black walls, hence the name. The focus is on the story, the writing and the acting instead of the technical elements. This type of production is similar to a second stage in that the set is somewhat simplified, but in every other way is main stage.
Submissions of plays may be sent via mail Attention: Craig David Rosen, Artistic Committee Chair, The Ridgefield Theater Barn, P.O. Box 59, Ridgefield CT 06877, via email to craigdavidrosen@yahoo.com or contact Mr. Rosen at 917 699-4045.
We're looking for directors for our 2008-9 season
Consider joining our team! The Ridgefield Theater Barn—now in it’s 42nd season presenting the finest in live community theater—is seeking directors and musical directors for the 2008-2009 season which begins in September 2008. Productions currently scheduled for the 43rd season include The House of Blue Leaves (September 5–27, 2008; directed by Will Jeffries), the musical version of The Secret Garden (November 14–December 7, 2008), How I Learned to Drive (March 13–April 4, 2009) and Camelot (May 29–June 27, 2009). Stipends are provided.All interested persons are asked to please forward their resumés for consideration to the Artistic Committee Chairperson, Craig David Rosen via email at craigdavidrosen@yahoo.com or contact Mr. Rosen at 917 699-4045.
CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY THEATER
A good time was had by all at our second annual Celebration of Community Theater. Organized by Cheryl Boyd, the event is our way to reflect on our season and to thank our many volunteers and patrons for their support.This year, we had many things to celebrate....our new addition was launched and is well underway, with changes happening daily. Before long, our main floor restrooms will be in place. While there will be many improvements, the restrooms are the most coveted of our plans. No more left...left...left trudging though the 'elements' to get to them!
Our season of mainstage shows has been a huge success, with many sold out performances, while still accommodating nearly everyone who sought tickets....the perfect balance. We will be announcing our 2008-9 season soon and hope you will find it as exciting as we do.
This year we continued with our tradition of recognizing those volunteers who are the behind the scenes MVPs of our season, by presenting them with 'Barn..y' awards to thank them for their support.....Jose Helu, Rick Hodder, Bob Theraldsen, and Ryan Wenke. Thanks to ALL of our volunteers and welcome to those who joined us for the first time on Sunday.
BARN PARTICIPATES IN RIDGEFIELD'S 300TH ANNIVERSARY RECEPTION
On January 6th, the town of Ridgefield held a reception at the Conmmunity Center to launch the celebration of it's 300th anniversary. Among the activities, visitors could visit with the 'ghosts' of Ridgefielders from times past. Eight people associated with the Theater Barn took part: Cheryl Boyd, Wayne Leiss, Kay & Willie Mayr, Craig David Rosen, Missy Slaymaker-Hanlon, and Kay and Carl Ullman. They learned about the townspeople they portrayed and then chatted with visitors at the event. Next time you see them, you might ask them about the experience. Some have some interesting stories to tell!
"Ghosts" at Ridgefield's 300th Celebration
THEATER BARN HOLDS GROUNDBREAKING FOR NEW ADDITION
Board members and friends of the Ridgefield Theater Barn had luck on their side as the weather held long enough for everyone to gather for a groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday, December 16. Construction has now begun on the long-awaited new addition which will add a vestibule, restrooms and ticket booth to the first floor, a new light and sound booth on the second floor and rehearsal space, a workshop and storage to the lower level. Additional improvements will include upgrades to heating and electrical systems and a new floor and stage on the main level.
Will Jeffries, a member of the Board of Directors is acting as the construction liaison for the project. “We are hoping to have the addition up, framed and a roof on by mid-February,” he said at the groundbreaking. “This will allow us to work inside during the cold weather and provide access to Barn activities for patrons. If all goes well, we should have everything completed this spring.”
Follow our progress in our Photo Gallery
Friends and board members of the Barn at the groundbreaking ceremony, left to right: Will Jeffries, Bill Smith, Sue Manning, Willie Mayr, Wayne Leiss, Janet Blake, Pete Sayer, Gene Mayer, Craig Rosen, Bennett Shuldman, Cheryl Boyd and Kay Mayr.
