Introducing the Huntsville Community Theatre with Pride! Through philanthropy and community support, Huntsville Texas is blessed with the opportunity to view LIVE COMMUNITY PRODUCTIONS all created from love, talent, unity, donated strengths and the hearts and time of many.
It is my honor today to interview KATHRYN KEUPER, VP of Publicity for Huntsville Community Theatre.
October 19, 2010
Hello Kathryn, If I may I would like to ask you a few questions about your position on the board?
Great Debra!
Kathryn, what is it that you do for the Community Theatre?
I am VP of Publicity for Huntsville Community Theatre. I notify all media outlets of auditions & promote our productions through radio interviews, newspaper ads, Facebook, website & flyer distribution.
How long has the community theatre been active?
We have been active since 1988. Some of the members were on our original board and have fluctuated "in and out" periodically through the years depending on family commitments. Others of the original board still do volunteer work for us so everyone is dedicated to providing support to the talent and skill of our Theatre Community. I have been on the board since December of last year.
Is it directly afilliated with Sam Houston State University?
We are not directly affiliated with Sam Houston State University but we communicate and support each other. In fact, we get some of our actors from the Drama Department at SHSU with their recommendation. They have only a certain amount of rolls to fill so they suggest to their students to participate in Community Theater. It's great! Our "Tom Robinson" for our last production of "To Kill A Mockingbird" is a SHSU student. I see the Professors at some of the productions and some of our Board Members (being SHSU alumni) are also season ticket holders for SHSU productions. We have learned over the years that when one of us succeeds, we ALL succeed.
How many productions are there in any given year?
We have about 6 productions a year. Our season starts in the fall and our first production for 2010-2011 was "To Kill A Mockingbird".
Who organized this and who directs the plays?
The board organizes this and the directors submit options that we choose for our year. In the next few months we will be advertising for our Directors and Producers for our next season. It is a big undertaking!Members of our board read tons of scripts to make their decisions.
How do you cast the plays? And, who makes the decision for the casting?
We cast through auditions just like other theaters. We have a cast list from previous productions that we email, then we issue flyers, radio and newspaper articles to encourage community participation. Casting decisions are made by the director. A production Lia son (a board member) will help with getting community members to audition. They can be...shy sometimes. ;-)
Must you live in Huntsville to participate?
You can live anywhere in the area to participate. Those who are passionate about being involved will make the drive.
When will the castings take place? And, when will your next production be?
The next casting call will be around the end of December or the beginning of January for our spring production "Love Letter & Hate Mail".
Our next production is already in rehearsal, " Sander's Family: Homecoming " will premier November 5th at First Christian Church in Huntsville, Texas. This installment is the last production of the trilogy plays we have performed the last few years. Audiences love this "family" and the Bluegrass music they perform. The cast is the same with the addition of two other performers. It is after WWII in a Kentucky church & instead of recreating a "sanctuary" in our playhouse Old Towne Theatre we were offered First Christian Church by their Patrons. Just another example of the community involvement here in Huntsville.
I would like to thank Kathryn for allowing me this interview. I would also like to thank Huntsville and its wonderful community that I am so proud to be a part of and of course, THE HUNTSVILLE COMMUNITY THEATRE!
Debra and Scott Brooks, Brooks Prime Properties, LLC Your Lake Livingston and Lake Conroe Waterfront Specialists!
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