Dreaming of a midsummer's night (Printed Feb. 16, 2007)
Posted by Sentry Editor at 2/23/2007 1:59 PM and is filed under Happenings,Amanda Estes,SMCC,So Po News,Arts 
By Amanda Estes
Staff Writer
Winter is in full swing, but the Stage at Spring Point is gearing up for its fifth summer of free, outdoor theatre. The Southern Maine Community College(SMCC) campus will again serve as the setting for the public to enjoy classical plays performed by a non-profit, professional theater.
The Stage was founded by Seth Rigoletti, who also works as the director of the drama department at Waynflete School in Portland.
Janet Ross, who is in her first year as the Stage’s artistic director, said, “His goal was to create an inclusive, accessible and educational theater and to inspire young actors through theatrical training.” The Stage continues thrive, she said, because of a partnership between SMCC and the South Portland Parks and Recreation Department. The collaboration provides power to the theater and protects the property that is the setting for their productions.
Ross will direct this season's production of Oscar Wilde’s’ “The Importance of Being Earnest.”
“It is a British drawing room comedy, which means it is witty, clever, and fast moving. It also has romance, a case of mistaken identity and other themes relevant to contemporary audiences,” she said. “It is a unique night at the theater and we don’t offer any matinees because we want to perform under the stars.”
The uniqueness of the theater company and the venue attracted Ross, who most recently worked as the artistic director at Biddeford’s City Theater, but has directed in the Greater Portland area for more than 30 years.
Ross said the Stage offered “a nice challenge after 30 years of directing” in that this is her first time working outdoors and it is a welcome opportunity to be able to work with a professional, salaried staff and cast. The part of Lady Bracknell, for example, will be played by Mark Honan, who is currently appearing in the Portland Stage Company’s production of “Noises Off.”
Ross said there are still seven roles available and because of the response from the acting community, the Stage has added a third day of auditions, which will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 27 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the South Portland Community Center.
Auditions will be held by appointment only. Those interested should call 415-8338 or email JR120QQ@aol.com.
Admission to performances is free with a suggested donation of $5. For more information about the Stage at Spring Point, visit www.thestagemaine.org.
Staff Writer
Winter is in full swing, but the Stage at Spring Point is gearing up for its fifth summer of free, outdoor theatre. The Southern Maine Community College(SMCC) campus will again serve as the setting for the public to enjoy classical plays performed by a non-profit, professional theater.
The Stage was founded by Seth Rigoletti, who also works as the director of the drama department at Waynflete School in Portland.
Janet Ross, who is in her first year as the Stage’s artistic director, said, “His goal was to create an inclusive, accessible and educational theater and to inspire young actors through theatrical training.” The Stage continues thrive, she said, because of a partnership between SMCC and the South Portland Parks and Recreation Department. The collaboration provides power to the theater and protects the property that is the setting for their productions.
Ross will direct this season's production of Oscar Wilde’s’ “The Importance of Being Earnest.”
“It is a British drawing room comedy, which means it is witty, clever, and fast moving. It also has romance, a case of mistaken identity and other themes relevant to contemporary audiences,” she said. “It is a unique night at the theater and we don’t offer any matinees because we want to perform under the stars.”
The uniqueness of the theater company and the venue attracted Ross, who most recently worked as the artistic director at Biddeford’s City Theater, but has directed in the Greater Portland area for more than 30 years.
Ross said the Stage offered “a nice challenge after 30 years of directing” in that this is her first time working outdoors and it is a welcome opportunity to be able to work with a professional, salaried staff and cast. The part of Lady Bracknell, for example, will be played by Mark Honan, who is currently appearing in the Portland Stage Company’s production of “Noises Off.”
Ross said there are still seven roles available and because of the response from the acting community, the Stage has added a third day of auditions, which will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 27 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the South Portland Community Center.
Auditions will be held by appointment only. Those interested should call 415-8338 or email JR120QQ@aol.com.
Admission to performances is free with a suggested donation of $5. For more information about the Stage at Spring Point, visit www.thestagemaine.org.
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