Sewickley Area Theatre Company gives local talent opportunity , and brings exceptional , affordable theatre to the community .
“ Hairspray ”
Hard Act to Follow
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Sewickley Area Theatre Company gives local talent opportunity , and brings exceptional , affordable theatre to the community .
Growing up in the Sewickley area , it was difficult to find quality community-based theatre for adults ,” says David Ford , president of Sewickley Area Theatre Company . “ We had performing arts camps in the summer months and the school districts ’ musicals in the spring , but nothing throughout the year . I found myself frequently traveling outside of my own community , and sometimes traveling great distances , to pursue my passion .”
Ford always found the lack of theatrical opportunities striking in an area so rich with history , culture and the arts . With the many former and current stars of stage and screen living in the Sewickley area , it was truly an ideal borough to tap into the local talent necessary for producing affordable , high-quality theatre productions .
And so Sewickley Area Theatre Company ( SATC ) was born . Founded in 2013 , SATC ’ s objective is to provide two full-length musicals with additional plays and special events throughout the year . SATC employs local talent in all aspects of production , preventing theatre enthusiasts from having to leave the community for quality entertainment . Whether you ’ re in high school , working a full-time job or retired , SATC provides a platform for all to participate in and enjoy the arts .
Additionally , the group aims to extend cultural appreciation of the arts throughout the community through productions , educational opportunities and the involvement of volunteers .
BY NICOLE TAFE
SATC is led by a Board of Directors with vast experience in all aspects of theatre production . In addition to Ford , president of the company , Jeff Way is vice president and co-founder , Katie Rogers is treasurer , and Chelsea Bartel is secretary . Lou Valenzi , Jerry Comunale and Pam Gregg comprise the group ’ s advisory board .
All of the aforementioned positions are volunteer . While the group does pay independent contractors from time to time ( e . g . music directors , choreographers , pit musicians , technical directors ), the actors and majority of the production team are volunteers .
The group has worked with artists of all levels of experience , from professional to semi-professional to amateur , and usually receives a nice variety of each category at any given show audition . “ While a lot of our actors have enjoyed their experience with us enough to audition again for our shows , we take pride in the fact that there are continuously new faces on stage ,” says Ford .
The shows are chosen in a judicious process managed by the Board of Directors . General members of the organization compile a list of shows of interest that is narrowed down to those that fit the vision of the company and the current season . This list is then sent to the advisory board for detailed recommendations and ultimately voted upon by the Board of Directors . “ We typically try to produce shows of contrasting styles during any given season ,” says Ford . “ One ‘ lavish ’ traditional show and one intimate , ‘ off-the-beaten-path ’ show .”
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