Open Stage is presenting the 2020-21 season with completely free access to all virtual shows. Every month, Open Stage will perform a new play live on YouTube and give free access to live and archived performances.
This format will require high production turnover. Due to a huge reduction in budget, the five full-time staff members - Benny Benamati, Brianna Dow, Chris Gibson, Rachel Landon and Stuart Landon - will comprise the casts, production teams and crews of the entire in-house season, with limited guest artists and no live audience. No licenced shows will be produced, and the team will rely on popular public domain stories to present.
The lineup will include "Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus," "A Christmas Carol," "Kafka's Shorts," "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," "Everyman," "The Time Machine," "Treasure Island," "Poirot Investigates!" and "Poirot Returns!" Much like the roving acting troupes of the 16th and 17th centuries, the five staff members will develop the stories and stage them insularly. Audiences can expect to see a handful of actors playing many characters in every show, but will consistently see various theatrical devices, including puppetry, found-object design, trunk show performance, projection and green screen techniques.
Although the Open Stage staff has committed to making the most of its mainstage season with only five people, the theater still supports a company of artists. Members of the local community will present ideas and projects that Open Stage can help promote and produce, calling it the Associate Artist Series. To kick off this series, local actor and horror movie aficionado Matthew Golden will present an online production of "Night of the Living Dead" in October, co-directed with Philip Mann.
Students will also be included in the season and will have virtual performances free to the public year-round. Low-cost classes will be offered for students ages 8 to 18.
Open Stage will provide a tiered, pay-what-you-will ticketing system that will enable audience members to donate to see a show if they are able. Those obtaining tickets may doante one time, or patrons can choose to be a part of the Inner Circle, gaining access to all performances, as well as special events. All donations are tax-deductible. Those who would like to access live and archived shows for free can watch on the Open Stage YouTube page at any time.
To donate, sign up for classes and get tickets, readers may visit http://www.openstagehbg.com. Audiences can follow Open Stage on social media for updates on the schedule and access to weekly free shows and entertainment. Those interested in becoming a season sponsor can email sponsor@openstagehbg.com. To volunteer or ask a question, readers may email info@openstagehbg.com.
Leave a Review