Happy New Year!
I know we’re a whole month in to the new year, sorry for the delay.
Quick reflection on 2018. We had a lot of obstacles, many panics, and hours of struggles…but in the end, we had a successful season. Being uprooted in the middle of our season was difficult, but thanks to the support of many of our friends in theater we were able to find venues for almost all our scheduled productions. We participated in festivals in Carnegie and New Castle, fund raised for our long-time partners at The Merrick Free Art Gallery, and even found time to squeeze in some group outings to the shows at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center. I am so proud of what we accomplished last year despite the turmoil.
I am looking forward to this season. I know many of you who know me personally would hardly call me optimistic, but I have a positive feeling about R-ACT in 2019. During our last executive board meeting of last year, we were kicking around an idea to help increase our positivity. 2019 is going to be “our year”. Of course, we had to make a slogan or hashtag that makes it our own, so we’re going with #RYear. Feel free to use that when you’re sharing our publicity posts and events.
I’m sure the number one question on everyone’s mind is “When will we be able to get in to the new space?” Mike, Amy, and I met with Suzanne in late December to discuss the changes to the timeline. Due to many holdups from permits and other general construction woes we’re looking at the beginning of March for us to be able to start setting up the theater. That means that the building will be renovated, the HV/AC and electricity will be on, and the toilets will be installed. Basically, the whole first floor of 134 Brighton Ave will be ready for us to turn it into The Segriff Stage, a new community theater space in Rochester. While it’s all very exciting, I think we would be foolish to assume that this next phase for R-ACT will not be without hurdles and it will take a lot of work. Luckily, I know we can do it. We have accomplished more with less.
Now, a March start time doesn’t really allow for us to produce “Knock ‘Em Dead” there March 1st-9th. So, we lined up space at Grace Lutheran Church for rehearsals and the theater at the Rochester Borough Municipal Building for our performances. We’ll need a few volunteers for house help, look for a sign-up post early next week.
Thank you all for your hard work, support, and patience. I am looking forward to another great year of theater with R-ACT. 2019 will be #RYear!!!
-Shantih Bianco
I know we’re a whole month in to the new year, sorry for the delay.
Quick reflection on 2018. We had a lot of obstacles, many panics, and hours of struggles…but in the end, we had a successful season. Being uprooted in the middle of our season was difficult, but thanks to the support of many of our friends in theater we were able to find venues for almost all our scheduled productions. We participated in festivals in Carnegie and New Castle, fund raised for our long-time partners at The Merrick Free Art Gallery, and even found time to squeeze in some group outings to the shows at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center. I am so proud of what we accomplished last year despite the turmoil.
I am looking forward to this season. I know many of you who know me personally would hardly call me optimistic, but I have a positive feeling about R-ACT in 2019. During our last executive board meeting of last year, we were kicking around an idea to help increase our positivity. 2019 is going to be “our year”. Of course, we had to make a slogan or hashtag that makes it our own, so we’re going with #RYear. Feel free to use that when you’re sharing our publicity posts and events.
I’m sure the number one question on everyone’s mind is “When will we be able to get in to the new space?” Mike, Amy, and I met with Suzanne in late December to discuss the changes to the timeline. Due to many holdups from permits and other general construction woes we’re looking at the beginning of March for us to be able to start setting up the theater. That means that the building will be renovated, the HV/AC and electricity will be on, and the toilets will be installed. Basically, the whole first floor of 134 Brighton Ave will be ready for us to turn it into The Segriff Stage, a new community theater space in Rochester. While it’s all very exciting, I think we would be foolish to assume that this next phase for R-ACT will not be without hurdles and it will take a lot of work. Luckily, I know we can do it. We have accomplished more with less.
Now, a March start time doesn’t really allow for us to produce “Knock ‘Em Dead” there March 1st-9th. So, we lined up space at Grace Lutheran Church for rehearsals and the theater at the Rochester Borough Municipal Building for our performances. We’ll need a few volunteers for house help, look for a sign-up post early next week.
Thank you all for your hard work, support, and patience. I am looking forward to another great year of theater with R-ACT. 2019 will be #RYear!!!
-Shantih Bianco
