Week of auditions and planning

This past week was spent on grants, auditions and planning. Saturday from 9:30 to 3:30 Constance Alexander led the Market House Board and some of our Trustee group in a day long look at the major issues facing the theatre. The theatre board came up with the top three questions that we then tried to come up with strategies that addressed these issues. The questions dealt with business models for future growth and sustainability, future facility needs, and future staff and volunteer resources.

There is a board meeting on Wednesday and we will continue to address many of the issues raised at the meeting. As the theatre works through the issues we will make sure that everyone at the theatre is kept up to date with what is being accomplished behind the scenes.

Cinderella and Wedding Belles Auditioned last week. It was a real relief for me that so many people auditioned for both shows. I was nervous when I asked Bonnie Daniels to direct Cinderella. I wondered if we would get the talent to come out for a director most people didn't know and a show that many men think is just for women. We have a very strong cast. Bonnie agonized over several roles because she had so much talent to chose from.

I also had lots of new and veteran actresses audition for Wedding Belles. Both shows will have a read through on Tuesday night.

The arts groups in Paducah and the City are currently generating ideas for a grant possibility that just became available. The deadline is March 15th for the proposal so many of us are scrambling to get together to discuss options. Last Friday I participated in a teleconference on this grant. Paducah is very fortunate to have lots of hard working arts and civic leaders who want to see the arts thrive. Emails are flying fast and furious as we come down to the wire to apply.

There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom posters came in to be put up. The billboard went up on Park Avenue last week and April moves her rehearsals from the classroom to the main stage this week. Jim has been trying to get the scenery built for the show but I've been out of the office so much this past week I'm afraid he hasn't been able to do much. April is anxious to get her design finalized for the show. Bonnie wants us to get together to talk about her design for Cinderella and I have barely begun thinking about a design for Wedding Belles. It's hard to believe that we have only 4 months left in the season. I don't know why it always surprises me. It seems as if the season has just started and suddenly we are down to the last two shows.

April is still trying to work out the Story Theatre touring cast and schedule. That is proving difficult to get everyone's schedules coordinated. Murder for Hire will start rehearsals soon for the April and May shows scheduled.