For more than 60 years, the three companies that make up Theatre Scarborough have treated audiences to a wide variety of comedies, dramas, thrillers and musicals. Add in low ticket prices, free parking and the “thrust stage” (seats surround the stage on three sides) at the Scarborough Village Theatre, and according to Theatre Scarborough board member Erin Jones, you’ve got a winning formula for some great community theatre.
MPulse Scarborough recently caught up with Jones to hear about the group’s upcoming fall season and the many opportunities the theatre offers for local youth and adults.
Theatre Scarborough is an umbrella organization representing three community theatre companies: Scarborough Players, Scarborough Theatre Guild and Scarborough Music Theatre. All three are run by volunteers and rely on the talents of local actors, directors, costume makers, set, lighting and sound designers and many others to bring shows, both new and classic, alive on stage.
This fall, Scarborough Theatre Guild will present The Full Monty from October 10-25, Scarborough Music Theatre will perform Hello Dolly! from November 6-22 and Scarborough Players showcases A Christmas Story from December 5-22.
While Theatre Scarborough has a lengthy and storied history in the community, Erin Jones was quick to point out the group’s appetite for new ideas, innovation and audience engagement.
For example, she spoke about Scarborough Music Theatre’s production of The Rocky Horror Show last year. “We sold the audience special kits so they could throw things at the stage. It’s an interactive show and we wanted to give the audience a safe way to participate,” Jones said.
When it comes to community engagement, they have hosted talkbacks, speakers, and opening night receptions. Last year, Scarborough Theatre Guild brought in a mental health professional to give a talk on mental wellness as part of their production of Death of a Salesman.
Scarborough Music Theatre also runs a large youth program, including summer, PA day, and March Break musical theatre camps and a fall musical theatre program, which will culminate with a performance run of Anne of Green Gables this November. The theatre also offers high school youth opportunities to fulfill their volunteer hours by volunteering with the theatre.
In fact, anyone with an interest in theatre is encouraged to explore the opportunities and possibilities available with Theatre Scarborough. Erin Jones says they are always looking for talented and creative costume designers, makeup artists and set builders. According to Jones, Theatre Scarborough is a “breeding ground for talent” and she says audiences are never disappointed. To learn more about Theatre Scarborough and to buy tickets to upcoming shows, visit https://theatrescarborough.godaddysites.com/
