Day Named Near Award Recipient
06.22.2010—Michael Day received the Curtain Players Richard D. Near Award during the annual end-of-the-season party at Plank's on Saturday, June 19. It is one of the most highly regarded honors within the organization.
This award was established in the memory of Richard D. Near to acknowledge "continued dedication to the advancement of Curtain Players." Near, a charter member of the community theatre, served the organization as an officer, board member, actor, director, and advocate. Near's illness and death in 1982 at age 54 sadly did not allow him the pleasure of attending a production in Curtain's own building, property for which he worked hard to purchase and to outfit as the company's own performance home.
Although nominations are accepted each year, the Near Award is not bestowed annually. The Curtain Players Board of Directors reviews the nominations and—should a candidate be seriously considered for the honor—then must vote unanimously to approve the recognition.
Day's name is now included on a master plaque recognizing all the Near recipients. That plaque hangs in the theatre lobby.
Excerpting the essay nominating Day:
"His motivation is not applause, which fades, but building for Curtain Players a lasting opportunity for others to experience the same creative excitement and energy he has found in theatre. The many contributions shared by Mikey with Curtain Players may be 'all in a Day’s work.' For that body of work, we are most appreciative."
Mary Benge Named Curtain's Top Volunteer
06.22.2010—Mary Benge is the 2010 Curtain Players Volunteer of the Year. Benge, who was properties coordinator for five of the six 2009-2010 productions and a member of the house staff for all six of the season's shows, received the honor during the annual end-of-the-season party at Plank's on Saturday, June 19.
The Curtain Players Board of Directors each year determines this award recipient from nomination essays submitted for consideration. Benge's name will be engraved on the master plaque—listing all Volunteer of the Year recipients&,dash;that hangs in the Harlem Road playhouse lobby.
Excerpting from the essays nominating Benge:
"Mary, as our leading properties coordinator, demonstrates she has 'the right stuff.' This refers not only to paraphernalia she collects, but also to a generous spirit shared liberally with everyone. ... It is time for Curtain Players to turn the tables and give Mary a prop of her own..."
"She deserves the nod for her volunteer work. She ushers for every show. She does costumes or props when asked. And is always cheerful while doing it."
Six Favored as Audience Choice
06.22.2010—The audiences have voted, and one cast member from each of the 2009-2010 season's six productions received Curtain Players Audience Choice Awards at the season-end event at Plank's on Saturday, June 19.
The recipients: Julie Russell, Charley's Aunt; Nick Lingnofski, Run for Your Wife; Cherish Myers, A Little House Christmas; Emily Bach, Hedda Gabler; Conner Poulin, A Thousand Clowns; and Charlie Sloin, Mauritius. Each received a framed certificate.
The awards are a popular fundraiser as audiences acknowledge their favorite performances by making contributions in actors' cash boxes during the run of productions. The 2009-2010 campaign generated $1,083, a 49 percent increase over the 2008-2009 collection. Money raised is designated for building maintenance projects.
Roberts Resigns Board Post
06.22.2010—Joyce Roberts has resigned her seat on the Curtain Players Board of Directors. Roberts, who is serving as volunteer coordinator, will complete the remainder of her term, expiring June 30. She was included in the 2010-2011 board slate elected in May, but said on June 18 that she will not accept that term of office. Roberts will continue to volunteer with Curtain Players, including handling house staff assignments for the playwrights festival July 9-24. President Jim Petsche said the board at its July 13 meeting hopes to make the appointment to fill the vacancy.
Green Room Gets New Steps, Door; Gardens Planted
06.22.2010—Mark Rasche, Curtain Players board member in charge of building and grounds, on Saturday, June 19, led a work day at the Harlem Road playhouse. His crew of volunteers replaced the green room door and installed new steps and safety railing to that backstage room. They also removed the old brick chimney that was not functional. Emily Good and Chris Stitzlein, the board’s business manager and treasurer, respectively, worked with another set of volunteers to refresh the building landscape by weeding and planting flower beds. This work day was one of several Rasche will organize through the summer months to address maintenance needs at and to make improvements to the playhouse.
Send in the Clowns for OCTAFest
06.22.2010—A Thousand Clowns will represent Curtain Players at the Ohio Community Theatre Association's Central Region festival Saturday, July 10 in Circleville. The Curtain Players Board of Directors in early June had selected Mauritius to go to the event, but learned on June 17 that the rights to present an excerpt of Mauritius there would not be granted. At the regional festival, Central Ohio community theatre companies showcase excerpts from their recently completed seasons. Responders offer constructive criticisms and award certificates for achievement in performance, directing, and design. At least one excerpt will be invited to represent the Central Region at the OCTA State Conference in Perrysburg over Labor Day weekend. Curtain Players originally presented Clowns April 16-May 2 at the Harlem Road playhouse. Michael Fusco directed the original production and will oversee its revival for the festival.
Cast Named for THE SUNSHINE BOYS
06.16.2010—Director Michael Fusco has announced the cast for The Sunshine Boys. Curtain Players will open Season 48 with the Neil Simon comedy on Friday, September 10. Charlie Sloin (as Willie Clark) and Larry Hansgen (as Al Lewis) are cast as a feuding comedy team preparing for a TV reunion. Doug Browell has the role of Ben, Willie's nephew and agent. Also cast: Diane Cade as Edie; Cory Baker as Director and Patient; Miranda Hinton as Nurse 1 and Nurse 2; and Ben Ritterspach as Announcer. Leia Bame is stage manager for the production. Auditions were held Sunday, June 6, at the Harlem Road playhouse.
'Sunshine Boys' Play Dates Changed for Jewish Holiday
05.21.2010—In observance of the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur, which begins at sundown Friday, September 17, the Curtain Players Board of Directors has rescheduled that evening's performance of The Sunshine Boys. The Neil Simon comedy is now scheduled to run Friday-Sunday September 10-12, Saturday-Sunday September 18-19 and Friday-Sunday September 24-26. Curtain time on Fridays and Saturdays is 8 pm. Sunday performances are 2 o'clock matinees.
04.02.10—Kroger is continuing its community rewards program, but shoppers who designated Curtain Players as their beneficiary must re-register their rewards cards online as of April 1.
To do so, simply go to www.krogercommunityrewards.com and click "Already Enrolled" to sign in to your Kroger account. Once you're logged in, go to the "Community Rewards Information" section and click on the link "Edit Community Rewards Program Information." Under "Find Your Organization," search for Curtain Players or enter our ID Number: 82084. Select Curtain Players under "Select Your Organization" and then click the "Save Changes" button. Curtain Players will now be displayed as your chosen organization in the Community Rewards Information section of your Kroger account page.
The Curtain Players Board of Directors thanks program participants for continuing to support Curtain Players when shopping at Kroger this year!
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