Interview: New Era for Terrific New Theatre

Terrific New Theatre near Pepper Place in Birmingham has had a long and interesting history. With all that Carl Stewart and his late partner Steve Stella dreamed for their new venture in 1986, I wonder if they could have imagined that 30 years later, TNT would still be going strong.

As Stewart prepares to retire, we see a new day dawning when Tam DeBolt takes the reins as artistic director of Terrific New Theatre on August 1, 2016.

Before that happens though, Carl Stewart is teaming up with longtime friend, actress and storyteller Dolores Hydock to celebrate nearly thirty years of theatrical collaboration which included 15 plays they have worked on together.

Introducing THREE FOR THE ROAD, these two plan to present a trifecta of favorites from their body of work. In Fifteen Minutes, an actress searches for connection with an audience; in Bed Among the Lentils, a vicar's wife searches for connection with God; and in The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, a bag lady helps her alien space chums find a connection with humanity.

Running from July 7-30 (I told you to "save the dates"!!!!) Terrific New Theatre will close one chapter of its history and begin a new one. Call 205-328-0868 for tickets.

Tam DeBolt takes over as artistic director at the close of THREE FOR THE ROAD. DeBolt is an acclaimed actress, director, designer and stage manager with a long list of stage credits as well as national commercials and voice overs in her resume.

"I have big shoes to fill, and I am committed to our audiences to present quality productions of new, classic and lesser-known works for their enjoyment," DeBolt said. "I am also committed to keeping the 'new' in Terrific New Theatre, while honoring the legacy that Carl built so beautifully over the past 30 years."

The first offering of the new era will be DADDY"S DYIN' WHO'S GOT THE WILL by Del Shores presented September 8-October 1. Directed by Kathleen Jensen, this iconic play has parts for 3 men and 5 women. Auditions are right around the corner, this Wednesday and Thursday, June 1 and 2 at 6:30-8:30 both nights. Bring your resume and head shot to Terrific New Theater located at 2821 2nd Avenue South and be ready to read from the script- no prepared monologues needed. For more information about auditions email tam@terrificnewtheatre.com or go to www.terrificnewtheatre.com for a list of characters and their descriptions.

DeBolt has constructed a new season offering drama, a dramatic comedy, a musical, two comedies and TNT's traditional "TBD," a surprise announcement later in the season. The season will feature four guest directors as well as two productions directed by DeBolt. I would say, TNT's future looks bright and I am excited to see where it goes from here.

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