For the next chapter in our history of Huntington's community theatre groups, let's look at the local theatre company that's taking a new approach:
One of the newest theatre groups in town is, basically, a new wing of an organization that got its start about 15 years ago. Arts Resources for the Tri-State (ARTS) began as an alliance of three theatre groups and one orchestra that would work together to refurbish part of the old Huntington High School and turn it into a center for local arts groups.
For assorted reasons the idea didn’t work out and the original members of the organization - the Musical Arts Guild, the Musical Arts Guild - Children’s Theatre, Huntington Outdoor Theatre and the Tri-State Youth Orchestra - all eventually left the ARTS organization.
But that wasn't the end. The group's board continued on its own, managing the use of the auditorium and renting it out to other organizations. For several years the organization presented fundraisers in concert form featuring Broadway veterans Mark and Beth McVey.
About 10 years ago the group started presenting stage shows as a way to raise money to refurbish the auditorium.
The output was solid, including shows like Amahl and the Night Visitor, Fiddler on the Roof, Hello Dolly, Will Rogers Follies and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (among many others).
But in 2012, ARTS took a surprising new direction. It built a new structure, basing it around a team of four directors: current President Bil Neal, Gene Anthony, Mike Murdock and Stephen Vance.
They auditioned and cast a resident acting company, and used that group to present a season of six shows in 2013, using open auditions to round out each cast.
It was a tremendous success, so they're using the same plan for the 2014 season, which will include Twelve Angry Men, The Pirates of Penzance, The Boy Friend, Much Ado About Nothing, Crazy for You and Rabbit Hole.
It's an ambitious plan and a terrific season - mark your calendars!
Next: Being a Free Spirit.
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