TriArts Let Me Get Onstage

I am a member of the board of directors of the TriArts theatre at the Sharon Playhouse, and over the last few months I have come to appreciate even more that here in the Northwest Corner, we need to take particular care to not let our local theatres fall by the wayside. TriArts is a theatre company that uniquely combines professional actors with community actors, providing a wonderful experience for all. And while we residents of the Northwest Corner are fortunate to maintain many wonderful theatres and acting companies, I chose to become involved in TriArts—well, because they let me get onstage. I was an actor before I was a board member.

Experience? Well, if you count high school productions—that was the last time I was onstage before my life with TriArts. But two summers ago, when I received a call from the artistic director Michael Berkeley to fill in for an actor three days before the opening night of his production of Dirty Doings in Deadwood, I blithely said yes. I didn’t have time to panic (or wonder if I could pull it off). That was the beginning of my journey back to the theatre. At TriArts I was pushed to attain a level of singing and dancing I had never done before, and it was exhilarating.

And then I got the bug. So I auditioned for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and had a simply wonderful experience. The camaraderie, the talent, both professional and amateur, the director’s drive for perfection, all combined to create an unforgettable summer. And simply put, it was just a hell of a good time (and a great workout).

So what are you waiting for? There are many ways to get involved in local theatre—certainly money (always necessary) is an easy way—but it’s the acting, the singing and the dancing that are rewarding. So get that derriere moving—it’s not too late to begin rehearsing if you start practicing now. Auditions for TriArts’ 2002 season are being held in February. Visit our website at <www.TriArts.net>, or call 860-435-6414 for an appointment.