What do monkeys, Hamlet, cheesesteaks, and pickaxes have in common? Find out at All in the Timing, the first production in DreamWrights' new Studio.
All in the Timing is a collection of short, one act plays by David Ives featuring "Sure Thing," "Words, Words, Words," "The Philadelphia," and "Variations on the Death of Trotsky."
When Karin Swartz, DreamWrights alumnus and Director of The Vagina Monologues benefiting the YWCA York, was tapped to direct a show with a community-centered cast, she jumped at the chance.
Karin explains, "I'm really excited to be a part of the first production in the DreamWrights Studio. I knew it would be an amazing experience. I chose this particular script for a few reasons: the short plays accommodate our casts' busy schedules and are more manageable for new actors, secondly the title, All in the Timing, says it all! This is DreamWrights' time - new theatre, new name, etc., and the show is really funny and fun to produce."
All in the Timing is made up of a collection of many shorter plays and folks that you wouldn't normally see on stage. Karin explains, "The cast is comprised of a group of incredible community leaders. Many, I have learned, were thespians at some point in their life. The group is made up of event planners, a retiree, a college dean, a HR manager, non-profiteers, an attorney, a photojournalist, and developers."
One such all-star is Downtown Inc's Chief Marketing and Development Officer, Meagan Feeser. She remembers, "When Karin pitched this idea by me, I thought it was a great way to bring in some community members, have people come and laugh at them and see the new space. It's also renewed my interested in wanting to act again." Kelley Gibson, Director of Communications and Engagement for the Cultural Alliance, enjoys the rehearsals and laughing along with her co-stars. "If you watch all of the stories within All in the Timing and you think about the people who are in those roles from our community, you realize they are type cast... in a good way," she says with a laugh. "I can't wait to see the community personalities fitting these roles because they are going to work so well!"
Although Royal Square Development Company's Tim Fulton acted in high school, he says it has been more of a challenge this time around to learn the lines. But, he is persevering. "It's fun to pretend and get into character." He continues, "I'm hoping people recognize what a resource this facility is and the people that are running it. It's a great community venue." Meagan, Tim, and Tom LaForgia, Major Gift Officer for Franklin and Marshall College and DreamWrights Board Member agree that the new space will have new as well as returning audience members saying, "Wow!"
Tom also points out that All in the Timing may be the perfect entrée for people who are on the fence about theatre. "I'm not against long form theatre, but this show is fast. And packed with hilarity, which is enticing for a lot of people." Each vignette is approximately 10 - 12 minutes, taking the full production to roughly an hour. The stories might be short but they are cerebral. Karin explains, "Each story is so different yet they all make mention of each other if you listen carefully enough. The script is really smart so making sure we catch all of the moments is really important. "
It's "go time" to see a fantastic all-star community cast in DreamWrights' brand new performance studio. Catch All in the Timing Friday and Saturday, November 10 and 11 at 7:00 pm.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.dreamwrights.org or by calling 717-848-8623. Advance seats cost $15. Tickets will be $20 at the door. Content may not be suitable for all ages. Following the show there will be a reception featuring desserts and refreshments. Donations graciously accepted.
DreamWrights Center for Community Arts in York, Pennsylvania has been offering interactive performing arts experiences for people of all ages since 1997. By serving as an educational theatre and performing arts resource, DreamWrights offers opportunities to explore all aspects of performance arts from theatre acting and designing to crewing and stage managing. DreamWrights fosters and inspires growth, creativity, responsibility and an appreciation for live performance in people of all ages and cultures. To learn more about how to participate in, or attend one of DreamWrights' upcoming productions, visit www.dreamwrights.org or Facebook.com/DreamWrights.
Pictured: Jason Sabol, Doug Knight, and Eileen Joyce in All in the Timing "Words, Words, Words".
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