Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, October 6, 1995 TAG: 9510060016
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: WENDY L. TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
In 1993, the theater group signed a three-year lease with University Mall in Blacksburg, and finally had a space to call home.
That home may be in jeopardy.
Naturally, it all boils down to dollars. Nora Hansen, vice president of Playmakers, says "rent is the bottom line."
Hansen believes that because of the opening of Virginia Tech's Volume Two Bookstore, there is a possibility that other businesses will be attracted to rental spaces in the mall - for a steeper price.
Because Playmakers is a community, nonprofit organization, it cannot pay as much as a retail store. The mall's mortgage company, based in North Carolina, has insisted that the Playmakers' lease run on a one-year basis.
If a business wants that space and can pay more money, the group may lose its first official home.
Playmakers would like to stay in the mall, but members realize it's not likely. They're keeping their eyes open for a new space.
The lease is up in June 1996. In December, Playmakers can request a renewal from the mortgage company.
"We have the people who want to do the shows, and no commitment from the community to have a place to do the shows," Hansen said. "We can pay rent. If someone has a building that is just sitting there collecting dust, we'd like it. There is a lot of unused space in Blacksburg and Christiansburg.
"We're not asking for some kind of perfect theater. We'll take anything."
Ideally, Playmakers would like to occupy a space on a five-year lease with an option to renew. The group needs a location in the Blacksburg/Christiansburg area that can seat 80 to 100 people, with enough room to store costumes and props.
Known originally as Christiansburg Community Theater, the organization was formed by individuals who gathered at one another's homes to read plays. After several months, the members decided to put on a show, Neil Simon's "Come Blow Your Horn." Since then, the group has performed "A Christmas Carol," "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "The Glass Menagerie" and more.
The company has donated its proceeds to community organizations such as the United Way, the Montgomery County Christmas Store and the "Toys for Tots" Program. Members have held theater arts workshops for children.
When they finally found a home base a little over two years ago, they were euphoric.
"To have one space and to plan and know where we're going to be is just wonderful," said Mike Vaughn, a board member who has been involved since the group's first production.
Because the group has a base, members are able to sell season tickets (through the Weight Club, located across from the theater in University Mall) and obtain sponsors for productions.
Businesses "are more willing to donate when they see we have a permanent space," Hansen said.
In the spring of 1994, the National Bank of Blacksburg made a sizable contribution for the production of "Road to Paradise," enabling the group to buy a stage curtain.
Hansen is seeking sponsors for the December production, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," a comic, endearing tale of a woman and her husband who produce an annual Christmas pageant starring the most feared kids in the neighborhood.
Hansen came to Playmakers in the spring of 1985 when she auditioned for "Witness For the Prosecution." She had heard that the script called for 12 jurors, so she read, thinking she would be cast as such, and surprisingly received a speaking part as a Scottish housemaid with a nasty temper. She has been with the company ever since, serving as president, actress, fund-raiser and marketer.
Vaughn joined the company in 1980. He came to the auditions of "Come Blow Your Horn" in hopes of volunteering his construction abilities for stage setup and props. Because there were not enough readers, Vaughn stepped in and read while others were auditioning for roles.
"The first thing I know, I was doing a Jewish accent and being the father, and I got cast. It was out of the blue," he said. "This is one of the most satisfying things I have ever done. It's a wonderful hobby to have."
Because Playmakers is a community organization, anyone interested in theatrical production is welcome to try out. "When we say we are community oriented, we mean it," Hansen said. "We like being a community theater. We want to be accessible to the community."
Members come from all over the New River Valley, and include construction workers, engineers and high school students.
Volunteers are needed for acting and behind-the-scenes responsibilities such as fund-raising and costume design.
For more information, call 382-0154 or write to P.O. Box 24, Christiansburg, Va. 24073.
by CNB