The Edenton Little Theater recently came out of retirement. After about 15 years of dormancy, the members came forward to be counted, and elected officers. Even before that, the members became excited and began planning a production of Neil Simon’s “Plaza Suite,” in October. I plan to direct the play. I say “plan” because at the moment we have an incomplete cast. All the roles, save one, are filled. The exception is a much needed attractive young woman in her twenties or thirties to play the paramour in Act One. A small but significant role.
After many years of doing this, I am not dismayed or discouraged. I have faith that at this Eleventh Hour, someone will come forward; someone who is right for the role. I see lots of very attractive young women walking about Edenton. I am no longer an attractive young woman, so I can spot them easily. I have even, on occasion, walked up to them and said, “Hello, my name is Carolyn Pastorek. I am directing “Plaza Suite” for the Edenton Little Theater. I am looking for an actor who looks like you!” So far, nothing. Well, an amazed look or two. A couple of glances left and right, possibly looking for a police officer.
I go to CVS, and the aisles are congested with them. I go to local eateries, and they come to my table, eager to take my order. I go to the grocery store, and they are stocking shelves and checking purchases out at the registers. Yet not one attractive young woman has come forward to play a small, but significant, part in the play I plan to direct.
So, why should Ms. Attractive Young Woman bother to audition and perhaps portray the paramour in Act One?
Because taking part in a community theater production is a great experience. Trite but true. It tests your memory and your metal. Because acting can help you be comfortable when you are speaking before a group, and that skill can serve you well in other areas of your life. Poise is something people don’t talk about much anymore, but poise is an asset, no matter your age or trade. Another “because” is the spirit of camaraderie of actors that pretty much is a byproduct of the acting process. But in the end, the biggest “because” is that few things in life are as thrilling as hearing the laughter of an audience, when needed, and the applause of an audience, when deserved.
I am very excited about the Edenton Little Theater. I looked through the scrapbooks Bruce King, the president, brought to an audition, and was amazed at the productions done in the past. I’d like to see the interest in theater grow to make a large production possible. I hope people who live in this area will come forward and get involved, so that can happen. And I sure hope one of them is Ms. Attractive Young Woman.
If you read this, and you want to get involved, my phone number is 482-7258. The next meeting is planned for August 25, at 7 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church on West Queen Street.
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The Community Commons of the Albemarle
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