Posted by: thepinetree on 11/20/2013 01:53 PM
Updated by: thepinetree on 11/20/2013 01:55 PM
Expires: 01/01/2018 12:00 AM
:
A New Sierra Foothill Theatre Company is Born
Columbia, CA...It is with great enthusiasm and vision that a group of passionate theater professionals launches a new theatre company in the Sierra Foothills -- Footlight Theatre Co. based in Columbia. Artistic Director Anthony De Page, Executive Director Kendra Burlison and Administrative Director Diane Brown have formed a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to provide superior quality theatrical productions showcasing local talent while enhancing and stimulating cultural and artistic enrichment in the Mother Lode region. Founding board members include President Steve Kwasnicki, Vice President Megan Collier, Treasurer Doreen Kwasnicki, Secretary Tiffany Howard and board member Robert Meyer.
“Footlight is exciting because it is the fulfillment of dreams that both Anthony and I have had for years,” expressed Burlison. “Our goal is to produce quality stage productions that not only stimulate the senses, but the mind as well.”
“The theme of our first season is the area’s striking history, and through suspenseful drama, classic comedy, melodrama, murder mysteries, historical re-enactments and traditional music we hope to educate and enrich our community about our eventful past,” added De Page.
Footlight Theatre’s first performance will showcase the Christmas melodrama, “Misdeeds at Mistletoe Mine” or “The Sanity Clause!” in Angelo’s Hall, 22760 Main St., Columbia State Historic Park, Dec. 13, 14, 20 and 21. “This inaugural show will be a Wild West Holiday celebration,” Burlison exclaimed. “Audiences will be transported back to 1890 upon entering Angelo’s Hall into an evening with all the flavor of Columbia as it used to be – a night out complete with perilous action, tear-jerking drama, rip-roaring comedy and delightful singing.”
Each performance begins at 6 p.m. with a traditional four-course holiday dinner mastered by Chef Robert Meyer of Columbia House Catering including soup, salad, turkey with all the fixin’s and bread pudding. Ratatouille with sautéed seasonal vegetables in marinara sauce is available for vegetarians. A different local winery will be featured each night.
Cost of $45 per adult and $40 per child includes opening entertainment, four-course dinner, glass of wine or beverage and the performance. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 352-5401or on line at http://footlighttheatre.brownpapertickets.com and can also be obtained at Mountain Bookshop in Sonora and The City Museum in Columbia.
“We are also planning monthly murder mysteries and two main stage productions in 2014,” De Page confirmed.
De Page has been involved in the performing arts on and off stage since he was 8 years old. He has acted, directed and stage managed more than 75 productions in theatres all over the state and beyond. Alongside his years of stage experience, he is also formally educated in Theatre Arts and currently wrapping up a degree from CSU Stanislaus.
Burlison has had a love affair with theatre over the last 22 years and has expertise is melodrama, directing, marketing and graphic design. She has appeared in a number of plays including “No Mother to Guide Her,” “A Golden Fleecing,” “On the Night of January the 16th,” “Love, Sex and the IRS” and “White Sheep of the Family.”
Brown has been involved with theatre most of her adult life and earned a degree in Theater Arts from CSU Stanislaus. She performed in community theatre in Charleston, South Carolina and Misawa, Japan.
“Some may ask, ‘Why start with melodrama?’” relayed Burlison. “The answer is simple: melodrama was a popular theatre form in the 1800s, and in taking on the genre, we are looking to add to the cultural experience for locals and visitors to Columbia State Historic Park. This will truly be a wonderful Christmas experience, ideal for families. We’ve also timed it to coincide with Columbia State Park’s Merry Merchants event so that families can make a full day of it.”
Footlight Theatre Co. is also seeking to build a collective of artists, including actors, painters, musicians, builders and designers, as well as office help. “The one thing I have always loved about theatre is the way it is all encompassing,” expressed Burlison. “No matter what your art form, there is a place for you. We look forward to including all who are interested.”
For additional information, call 352-5401 or visit online at footlighttheatre.org.
|
