So since May 14th I have been at TriArts Sharon Playhouse in Sharon CT. Sharon is a very small town about two hours north of New York City on the NY/ CT border. When I say small town, I mean it. Sharon boasts a pharmacy, a gas station, two resturants, a radio station, a hospital and a volunteer fire station. It also has a library and 2 vets. You may notice it does not boast a grocery store. It doesn't have one.
The people who live here do not lock doors. Car doors and house doors are left open and keys are routinely left on the dashboard. Apparently they have no crime.
They do however have views, lakes, nature and wildlife. Also- small town charm.
My job here in Sharon CT is to work as the Company Manager for the TriArts Sharon Playhouse. This is a theatre that is working on a Guest Contact Tier III, which means that some of their actors are local, two are equity (per show) and the rest are working professionals from NYC and the surrounding area. My job is to make sure that each out of towner has housing, transportation to and from the theatre, and access to the grocery store at least twice a week. I also make a couple trips to the train station so that they can go home for their day off (Monday) and I deal with any other issues that they have with their housing or transportation.
Most of the actors are from NYC and Sharon is a little bit of a culture shock. There is very little cell phone reception, no street lamps and things seem far away from each other. To get to the grocery store you have to drive 15 minutes into Amenia NY. To get to a CVS or McDonalds or Dunkin Donuts you have to drive 15 to 20 minutes to Millerton. For people who are used to being plugged in and surrounded by people it can be quite a change.
During the summer I will house over 20 actors in various types of housing for varying lengths of time. People donate time in their guest houses, a room in their home, we will be in a private school dorm- all kinds of homes. Most of the peformers will be committed to a 6 week schedule with 3 weeks of rehearsal and 3 weeks of performance. We will also host band concerts, a divas show and other types of entertainment. I also make sure that the production staff of 20 are comfortable and happy in their dorm style on site housing.
It should be interesting. I'll keep you posted.
That is if I don't go postal.
Onward, at least.
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1 comment:
How did I never hear anything about this Diva show until now???
Also, for those living in the NYC area, I STRONGLY encourage you to beg a visit from Ms. Outwitter. Fresh air! Trees! Wind that doesn't have trash and soot in it!!! I went up for a mere day and had an amazing time.
Treat yourself to a $26 round-trip ticket, some truly amazing Greek Salad, or the most respectable Mexican food I've yet found on the East Coast.
Here's a new slogan: "Sharon (and surrounding boroughs), CT - Paradise of the MTA North!"
Oh, and it has theatre in a barn.
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