September 2022 Newsletter
Updated: Mar 9
Message from the Editor
Another summer and another successful season of Theater in the Pines have come to a bittersweet end. Bitter because no one ever wants the good times to end, sweet because this season was packed with special events and fun that will remain in our memories for years to come.
However, we are already looking forward to next season which is even now shaping up to be more exceptional than ever! For some of our members the offseason means their work has only just begun.
The Directors of our productions next season are already hard at work. Casting is nearing completion, licenses are being arranged, scripts have been ordered and offseason rehearsals are being scheduled.
The 2023 Board of Directors has been seated, the Board has elected Officers and all Committee Chairs have been named for the 2023 season. A wish list of projects is being compiled for next season and the Board will soon be prioritizing and determining which ones can be included in the 2023 budget and which ones may have to be delayed for future consideration. Planning for Scholarship activities, Drama Camp and other events will soon be underway. A tentative schedule for 2023 events is provided in this newsletter for your planning convenience.
The new web site is in the design phase. This will represent a major investment and expense for the organization next season. You will find an update on the status of both the old and new sites below .
Check out the photos from the It's a Wrap Party in the Playhouse Rock feature. The annual end of season celebration was another one of a kind event that all members who attended enjoyed and will long remember.
The Playhouse received a number of enhancements this season. Read about the most recent improvement below.
As we say farewell to the 2022 season of Theater in the Pines we again want to thank all of our members and volunteers for their support and for making 2022 another highly successful year. Have a safe and healthy off-season and we'll meet you back at the Playhouse next summer. The newsletter will resume in March. Happy Trails!
We hope you enjoy this month's newsletter.
Dan Slocum
Editor
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New Web Site Design
The Board of Directors has commissioned Sandee Caviness, owner of Caviness Studios and Editor and Publisher of The Pinewood News to design and launch a new web site for the organization. Cindy Smith is the Pinewood Players Board Liaison for the project. There are many complex issues which must be addressed in transitioning the old site which has been in place since circa 2010 to a brand new site. Web Master Ed Werzyn has worked with Sandee to ensure all the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed in order to preserve history and ensure functionality is transitioned in an orderly manner. During the transition the old site will be placed in a "maintenance mode" which means no new information will be added on the site. Some functionality will remain on the old site throughout the transition such as the ability to download 2023 Membership forms. The pre-registration form for the 2023 Drama Camp will also remain fully functional during the transition period in order to allow our Drama Camp families to pre-register campers and ensure they have a spot in the 2023 camp. The new site is scheduled to come online for testing in late January 2023 and is expected to be fully functional with 2023 information loaded no later than March 1, 2023. This is a major investment and expense to the organization but the old site was full of "patches" and was becoming increasing difficult to maintain, keep secure and update. When Web Master Ed and Content Manager Phil announced their retirements it became clear that it was time to move into the future with an updated software base and format. The new site will utilize a WIX web site software system. WIX is increasingly the choice for new web sites and is much easier to update and maintain than legacy web site software. Cindy Smith will receive training on content management and assume responsibility in 2023 for managing content and keeping the site current. We thank Ed Werzyn and Phil Howard for their years of service. Also a big thanks to Cindy Smith for heading up the new web site project and volunteering to manage the content. We will all look forward to seeing and using the new site next March. The plan is to maintain the current domain name so you will still access the site via www.pinewoodplayers.com.
No Changes Anticipated for Online Ticket Sales
We do not currently anticipate any changes to the Online Ticketing System as a result of the web site change. If any modifications are required we will advise our patrons and members prior to ticket sales opening next March. Our TICKET HOTLINE number will remain the same and will reopen for service on May 1, 2023
To volunteer to work with the Ticketing Committee contact Ticket Committee Chairperson
Jim Junker (623) 203-2703 or email jjunker2@cox.net. You may also call the Ticket Hotline at (928) 863-9061 to leave a message after May 1, 2023.
Don't Delay! Join Pinewood Players Now!
2023 Membership Forms now available
Why wait until next year to join? Join now and ensure your place in the 2023 Directory! Support live theater in Munds Park!
Membership dues are only $10 Single or $18 Family.
Donations are fully tax deductible and you may designate your donation for the benefit of our Scholarship Fund, Drama Camp Fund or the Capital Fund that supports theater maintenance and improvements.
Questions regarding membership may be directed to our Membership Chairperson, Anne Hess at (626) 664-0054 or email tiggeranne@gmail.com.
News Clips
Board of Directors Elects Officers for 2023
The Pinewood Players Board of Directors met on September 12 to elect Officers and organize Standing Committees for the 2023 season. The Board unanimously elected Cathie Rasmussen to lead the organization as President in 2023. The Executive Committee is rounded out with Cindy Smith as Vice President and Nancy Cummings as Secretary.
The bylaws prescribe that only three Board members may be elected each year but the rules also allow for appointments to fill Board positions and critical roles. Accordingly, Jim Junker and Nancy Cummings were unanimously appointed to second terms and both accepted.
No one has stepped up to fill the Treasurer position for next season. The Treasurer may be appointed by the Board and is not required to be a member of the Board. If you have an interest in volunteering for this position, please contact Cathie Rasmussen at 480-563-5503 or email: carazz2000@yahoo.com. If no volunteers are forthcoming the Board will have to pursue alternate solutions to the organization's accounting needs.
New incoming Board members were assigned the following Standing Committee Chair positions:
Lu Cross - Social Chair
Judy Harris - Play Selection Chair
Joy Stevens - Scholarship Chair
The complete list of Standing Committee Chair positions are listed below:
Communications/Marketing/Publicity: Cindy Smith and Dan Slocum
Drama Camp Administrators: Nancy Cummings and Lu Cross
Historian: Lu Cross
Joint Committee/Club Liaisons: Lu Cross, Cindy Smith, Dan Slocum (Advisor)
Membership: Anne Hess (non-board) liaison: Dan Slocum
Play Selection: Judy Harris
Long-term Planning: Carlos Navarrete, Jim Junker and Cathie Rasmussen
Scholarship: Joy Stevens
Set Building: John Dyke and Burl Seaton
Social: Lu Cross
Social Media Coordinator: Terri Peach (non-board) liaison: Dan Slocum
Sunshine: Donna Slocum
Technical Theater Manager: Burton Cagen (non-board) liaison: Jim Junker
Theater/Construction/House Manager: Carlos Navarrete
Ticketing: Jim Junker
Ushers: Jane Conti and Linda Jacobs
Web Site: Cindy Smith (transition assistant Dan Slocum)
Congratulations to the new Officers, Board Members and Standing Committee Chairs. Our thanks to all of them for their willingness to volunteer and serve the organization.
It's a Wrap! Playhouse Rock!
It's a wrap for 2022 and the party and Playhouse Rock theme was a huge hit. The annual season end celebration was dedicated this year to the 20th anniversary of the Pinewood Playhouse which opened in 2002. The theme was "Playhouse Rock" and Brian Obillo put together another fantastic "oldies" show for all the party goers, many of whom arrived in costume. Videos and songs from the 50's, 60's & 70's put the revelers in the mood to hit the dance floor and "Twist & Shout" which they did like the teenagers we all once were and still are at heart!
Marge Welch, our retiring Social Chairperson planned the event this year. She went all out to arrange the food and entertainment including some very nice raffle prizes. Desert was a beautiful cake commemorating the anniversary displaying Burl Seaton's artwork which we have used as our newsletter banner head this season. The cake was as unique as it was delicious and it was enjoyed by all!
We'll let you speculate about the identities of the motley crew below, but suffice it to say that "Grease was the Word!" Sandy and Danny never looked so good and the Pink Ladies were in rare form!
To steal more Travolta lyrics from the song You're the One that I Want the party was "Electrifying" and a great evening of fun, food, libations and entertainment that will go down as one of the best wrap parties ever! Again, the bar has been set high for 2023. We can't wait to see what Lu and her team come up with next year. They have a entire year to plan (no pressure, Lu)!
Drama Camp 2023
Open for Pre-Registration Now!
Drama Camp 2023 pre-registration is open now on our web site. Ms. Jenn and Ms. Sam are returning for their third year to co-direct next year's camp and production of At the Bandstand. The play is a nostalgic look back at the 1950's staged around a fun script based on the classic American Bandstand TV show. There will be lots of dancing and timeless song titles such as Rockin’ Robin, Save the Last Dance for Me. Johnny Angel, Sh-Boom, Splish Splash, Shake, Rattle and Roll and Great Balls of Fire! The parents and grandparents will love seeing these songs and dances performed as much as the campers will enjoy learning these early rock'n'roll classics. Poodle skirts, white tee shirts, bouffant and pompadour hairstyles will be the rage of the day!
Don't delay. Go to the web site or CLICK HERE to sign your campers up today to ensure their spot in At the Bandstand! There is no obligation but pre-registration does ensure a spot in the camp for your child. Questions about next year's camp may be addressed to our co-Administrators Nancy Cummings or Lu Cross, contact information below.
2023 Productions are Cast
Auditions were held on August 27 and 28 to cast the 2023 productions. Most roles have been cast. Some actors who expressed interest were out of town on extended travel so a few roles were left open to give late auditionees an opportunity to strut their stuff. There are currently a couple of roles left to fill in the The Wild Women of Winedale. Anyone interested should contact Sandy Dyke at (602)361-4382 or email ssdyke@yahoo.com.
One change to report is that Jayne Heckman will direct Four Old Broads. Jayne has been a prolific actress for Pinewood Players and she was the Assistant Director in this season's production of Deathtrap. When Jayne read the play she fell in love with the lead role and, being the thespian that she is, she decided to act as well as direct the play! Bill Heckman who has performing and theater experience and experienced Producer and Assistant Director Pam Solace will help cover some of the directing and producing duties which will assist Jayne to perform both the directing and acting roles. The cast is a wonderful mix of veteran and first time Pinewood Playhouse performers including brand new Pinewood Players members Robin and Fred Lloyd. Marci Cagen and Burl Seaton are also moving on from Reader's Theater roles to debut in this Pinewood Playhouse mainstage production.
Cast
Beatrice: Jayne Heckman Eaddy Mae: Betsy Froderman Imogene: Marci Cagen Ruby Sue: Robin Lloyd Maude: Terry Brown Sam (Elvis): Burl Seaton Evil Nurse Pat: Fred Lloyd
The July play, Now and Then is directed by Les Maurseth. Les is a long time veteran of the Pinewood Playhouse stage having acted in and directed multiple productions dating back to 2013. Les took on the dual role of Director/Actor in his production of A Delicate Balance in 2019 so we are sure he will have some valuable insight for Jayne. Les has also cast his play with three newcomers to Pinewood Players and the Pinewood Playhouse stage, "Mad Jack" Corson, Robyne Roveccio and Gary Sima. Fresh, new talent is always welcomed on the mainstage and we are looking forward to their performances.
Cast Jamie: Gary Sima Abby: Robyne Roveccio Man: Jack Corson Woman: Claire Dishlip
Last but not least, Sandy Dyke returns for an encore after her successful directing debut of Deathtrap to direct The Wild Women of Winedale. The cast consists of 3 female main roles, but there are also several vignette roles which potentially increases the total cast to 8 or 9 members, depending on whether some cast members play double roles.
Vignette roles Doreen Whitman: Micki Carlson Betty Dunlap: Open Glenda Bates: Bonnie Jarvis Flo Hudson: Micki Carlson Nora Griffin: Robin Lloyd Edith Macklin: Gina Burton
The 2023 season is shaping up to be a real blockbuster! The plays are fabulous, the directors are experienced and stage savvy and the actors are very talented. What more could you ask for to create an extraordinary 2023 season of Theater in the Pines? Tickets will go on sale in March. Be sure to get yours for all three of these sensational productions.
Professional Video System added to Pinewood Playhouse Assets
Jim Junker has taken on the role of videographer for Pinewood Players for the past couple of years. He has been working with Jim Burnette, our technical consultant to improve the quality of our video recording and editing capabilities. But the effort has been hampered by the lack of good, professional grade equipment. Jim Burnette has maintained a wealth of contacts from his professional event production career and has been on the lookout for deals on a professional grade video system to improve our capabilities. Late last month he came upon a discounted deal at auction on a complete professional set up and informed us of his find. Some funds were already allocated for the purchase of a new video camera in the 2022 budget, but the approved funding did not include a tripod or the necessary HDMI converter and cabling to complete the system. Jim Junker brought a motion before the board to take advantage of the opportunity to purchase this discounted equipment and increase the funding to cover the cost of the entire system. The Board approved the additional funding and Jim Burnette was able to secure the system at auction for just over $500!
Jim Burnette installed and tested the equipment to ensure all of the interfaces work properly. He will provide training on the operation of the system for our Technical Theater Manager Burton Cagen and our Videographer Jim Junker in the near future. The "like new" professional grade equipment will greatly enhance the quality of our video capabilities and benefit our directors, actors and historical archives. We thank the "Jim's" for finding this "gem" of a deal and facilitating the upgrade of the videography capabilities for the future.
This technical enhancement along with the new digital stage lighting controller and LED stage lighting installed this season were made possible by the generosity of our donors and the ongoing dedication and support of our members. We thank you all for your contributions and your Pinewood Players membership dues that support these improvements for the greater enjoyment of all of our members and patrons.
"Wish List" of 2023 Projects to be Assessed by BOD
The Board of Directors will be reviewing and assessing the feasibility of several major projects for implementation in the 2023 season. As mentioned, the new web site will be a major investment. But the organization has other needs. How much more can be funded depends on the generous donations of our supporters and the success of our 2023 season. A partial list of projects under consideration is below in no particular order of priority.
Curtain Improvements: The stage curtain was a tremendous enhancement to the audience experience in our Pinewood Playhouse. However, the manual operation of the curtain is cumbersome at best. A motorized system will be investigated to determine if such an enhancement is economically feasible.
Theater House Lighting: Since the basic electrical system has been upgraded to allow the installation of LED stage lights it is now possible to install dimmable LED house lights. New LED house lights would replace the current fluorescent light fixtures which are over 20 years old. They would require less energy, would not have to be replaced as often and would provide enhanced ambiance and the ability to dim the house lights as opposed to bright lights either being on or off.
Storage Building and Asset Organization: Improvements are needed to enable more efficient storage of large props and set building materials in our storage building. Shelving and overhead storage racks are needed to optimize the space and allow more items to be better organized and stored in the structure.
Stage Structure Improvements: There is a need to rebuild some permanent stage walls for safety reasons. There is also a proposal to design a system of prebuilt modules which could be used to create different sets by interchanging the different modules. For example, doors and windows could be pre-assembled in modules and stored so they are ready to install in a set when needed. This modular system could greatly reduce the time, effort and carpentry skills required to build and strike sets.
Improved Access to Marque Display Windows: The theater's marque display cases are currently somewhat difficult to access. Display materials must be changed several times during a season for different productions. Three of the windows are accessible from inside the theater, but the access panels are heavy and cumbersome to take down to change the display contents. This sometimes requires more than one person to do the job. Several of the other display windows require that the molding and glass be removed from the outside in order to access the displays. There has been a proposal made to rebuild the cases and install lockable frames on hinges to allow easy access from the outside to change out display materials. This would greatly reduce the time and effort required to change display case contents and require only one person to do the job.
The above list along with other security and signage improvements will be considered for inclusion in the 2023 budget. The Board will make decisions in the February Budget Meeting as to which of these projects can be funded in 2023.
Tentative Schedule for 2023 Productions and Events
The following tentative schedule is provided for your planning convenience. This schedule has been approved by the BOD. However, coordination with Pinewood Country Club is not finalized. Some changes may be necessary based on finalization of the Pinewood Country Club calendar.
Four Old Broads
June 9, 10, 11 & 16, 17
June Members Meeting
June 24
Theater Open House
June 25
Drama Camp
June through July 9
At the Bandstand
July 7, 8, 9
Reader's Theater
July 19, 20
Now and Then
July 21, 22, 23 & 28, 29, 30
The Wild Women of Winedale
August 11, 12, 13 & 18, 19. 20
August Members Meeting
August 26
It's a Wrap Party
August 31
Auditions
TBD
Join our Technical Team!
Be a Sound & light Operator
Pinewood Players sound and light controllers are state-of-the-art digital systems. They are easy to learn and operate. All training is provided and the time investment and commitment is minimal. Here's your chance to learn a valuable skill and play a critical role in Pinewood Players' productions without having to act on stage. Once the lighting is programed for the productions the lighting operator job is as easy as using your laptop or cell phone. The sound system requires a bit more training depending on the audio requirements of the particular production but it is easily learned and operated. Join us and experience the pride, fulfillment and comaraderie of being an important member of our production team! If you have an interest in joining our technical team for next season please contact Burton Cagen for more information. Teenagers are also welcome to volunteer and operating sound or lights could qualify volunteers to apply for the Pinewood Players Scholarship Program.
Burton Cagen at (602)818-8876 or email pinewoodplayers@gmail.com
Pinewood Players is a non-profit organization bringing cultural opportunities to all ages. Each summer the Pinewood Players entertain the community by presenting live theatre. Pinewood Players provides various venues where children and adults learn about the performing arts through participation in workshops, drama camps and plays of all kinds.
Visit our web site: www.pinewoodplayers.com
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