"The Back Porch Gang" by Ben Scranton, a comedy
Synopsis: Residents at a retirement complex in Maine struggle with loneliness, boredom, and purpose. to pass the time they wave at cars to see if they can get a wave back. This harmless activity takes an unexpected turn with the appearance of a police officer and a quirky stranger.
Suddenly the residents are forced to face the past and its impact on the present. Secrets are revealed as they navigate a maze of guilt and missed opportunity. The play exposes seniors' struggles and complicated relationships with family, friends, and lovers. It speaks to the visceral need to be noticed and acknowledged.
Those interested in auditioning are asked to prepare a comedic 30-60 second monologue for auditions. You will also be asked to read from the script. Be prepared to tell us when you can and cannot rehearse. Actors not involved in prior ACT Theatre Company productions should bring a theatrical resume.
Performances will be August 9-18 with evening performances on Fridays and matinee performances on Saturdays and Sundays. All rehearsals and performances will be held at Elmont United Methodist Church, 6635 NW Church Lane, Topeka.
Bess Bennett (60+, F) practical, kind, considerate
Wilma Jessup (60+, F) short-tempered, sarcastic, sees life from a negative slant
Myrtle Tuttle (60+, F) naïve, innocent and slow on the uptake but not stupid
Lester Higgins (60+, M) a talker, upbeat, always ‘on’, practical joker, essentially good-hearted
Wayne Bridgewater (60+, M) a likable, quirky, kind, good-natured misfit
Officer Jane Todd (35-50, F) a police officer, articulate, competent, dedicated to her job
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These characters are vital and active individuals. They should not be seen as infirmed, diminished, or silly stereotypes. Characters may be of any race or ethnicity.
To preview the script see our Facebook page or contact us at act.theatre.co.topeka.ks@gmail.com
Calling All Actors ---
Want to hone your acting skills? Want to meet and learn from other actors? Ever wondered if you would be any good at acting? Well, we have the perfect workshops for you. Dust off one of your monologues or bring a friend and perform a scene from a play of your choice. This workshop will give you some feed back and some pointers on how to be a better actor. Not an actor but want to see what is going on? Come join us and see what the possibilities are. You can attend one or as many of the workshops as you like.
"The mission of ACT is to provide the community with live theater produced to serve the cultural, educational and entertainment needs of the community. Additional activities may be conducted to support the organization both financially and to provide awareness
of the organization to the community at large.
Above the Fold is set during the 1935 grand jury investigation of the death of rising musical theater star Evelyn Hoey in Glenmoore Pennsylvania. A group of reporters are covering the grand jury whose job it is to determine if there is sufficient evidence to conduct a trial for the murder of singer Evelyn Hoey by her lover Henry Huddlesto
Above the Fold is set during the 1935 grand jury investigation of the death of rising musical theater star Evelyn Hoey in Glenmoore Pennsylvania. A group of reporters are covering the grand jury whose job it is to determine if there is sufficient evidence to conduct a trial for the murder of singer Evelyn Hoey by her lover Henry Huddleston Rogers III, the son of one of the richest men in the world. Reporter Dorothy Walton finds Evelyn’s story especially compelling.
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ACT began in the spring of 2007 as a group of friends who came together to do a children's show at the Auburn Community Center. The show was so successful that we decided to do another show in the summer of 2008, this time as an adult comedy. In 2009, ACT offered its first actual "season" of live theater. Seven shows were scheduled throughout the year. Season tickets were advertised and sold.
After the 2016 season the Theatre moved from Auburn, Kansas to Topeka, Kansas and legally changed its name to ACT Theatre Company. In 2016 ACT Theatre Company performed as the Kansas entry to the AACT Region V festival in Minnesota.
In 2017 under the new name ACT Theatre, the season opened at the prestigious Topeka Performing Arts Center. In 2018 ACT Theatre performed several productions on the stage at The Break Room in downtown Topeka, Kansas and on stage at Grace Episcopal Cathedral.
In 2019 The Forest Park retreat center was in the process of adding new events to their schedule. ACT Theatre agreed to partner with them to produce some shows in their facilities and to help with maintenance and income. The facilities at this location were not the most convenient so in 2020 ACT Theatre Company entered into a contract to use the Elmont UMC Fellowship Hall which has a stage and a kitchen area. It was anticipated that dinner theatre performances could be held there. We are proud to call this the Permanent Home of ACT Theatre Company. It is the intent of ACT to promote local playwrights work whenever possible and give them a platform for their plays.
ACT Theatre Company
Performance Venue at:
6635 NW Church Lane
Topeka, Ks 66618
or Call 785-249-0908
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