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Theater guild widens its mission in Geauga
Theater guild widens its mission in Geauga
When the Geauga Lyric Theater Guild was founded in 1954, its mission was to produce musical theater using local talent for the entertainment of Geauga County residents. Fifty-five years later, the guild continues to do that, while setting its course on an expanded mission that encompasses a wider array of artistic endeavors and a broader demographic.
The transformation began under the leadership of former board President Andy Wyatt and continues under the guidance of Greg Pribulsky, who accepted the position of board president in October.
A major step in this new direction took place earlier this fall, when the guild hired its first full-time employee, Chris Cipriani, who now serves as the organization's executive director. The second step is under way now, in the form of a staged radio drama to kick off a major fund-raising campaign with the intent of transforming the theater-based organization into a multi-discipline community arts center.
Ms. Cipriani said, "Our goal is to become the hub of Geauga County's vibrant creative arts community. We will be providing arts education and performance opportunities to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities in a celebration of the power of art to inspire, transform and elevate the quality of community life."
In less than four months, a performance-based fund-raiser was organized. Playwright Joanne Durante, of Chester, has donated her time and talent to scripting and producing an original radio drama, "Radio Boy," with the support of a committee that was formed in August.
The production is being directed by Cleveland actor and director Mark Cipra and includes in its cast and behind the scenes longtime supporters of the Geauga Theater, as well as some new ones, including old-time-radio enthusiast and musician James Meyers.
Led by Mr. Wyatt, the committee has put together not only an onstage theatrical experience but an array of community promotions designed to get Geauga County residents curious about the production, including newsboys distributing a 1930s-style newspapers, a raffle of 1930s-era antiques donated by the merchants of Antiques on the Square and antique vehicles driving around Chardon broadcasting snippets from old-time radio shows.
Ms. Cipriani said, "At present, theater is at the heart of everything we do. The new arts center will be an extension of that, celebrating the creative impulse that drives every form of art. Many of our classes are designed to develop those art forms that theater relies so heavily upon, including set design and stage choreography. But we will also be offering a full spectrum of classes in a variety of disciplines that make creating art a fun and enriching experience, regardless of age or experience level."
Performances for "Radio Boy" are at 8 p.m. Nov. 13 and 14 and 2 p.m. Nov. 15. Tickets are $20, with donors of $100 or $35 receiving premium seats for the Saturday gala, a gift and the pre-show party. The Sunday matinee is a gift to the community, with audience members donating whatever they can. The historic Geauga Theater is at 106 Water St. on Chardon Square. Call the box office at (440) 286-2255.
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