Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - While there are several places in the area for theatergoers to see professional plays, there is no community theater for an average person to participate in.
This year, that's going to change with the startup of the Winona Lake Community Theater.
Auditions for Neil Simon's "Barefoot In the Park" will be Thursday in the back room of Courthouse Coffee East, in the Marketplace of Warsaw, from 7 to 9 p.m. Six actors are needed, including at least two males and two females.
"It's open to anyone," said Melissa Jordan, who is organizing the group. No preparation is needed. Auditions will consist of reading from the script.
The play will be performed Aug. 9-11 at the Hillside Amphitheater, Winona Lake, according to Jordan.
Jordan moved to Kosciusko County last June from Michigan. At Cornerstone University, she minored in theater and was active in the university's theater.
Upon moving here, she said, she realized there's "nothing really here for the community" as far as community theater. She said she believed something was needed and she contacted Winona Lake Restoration partner Brent Wilcoxson. He told her to "go ahead."
Rehearsals will be at the amphitheater when the weather is nice and the amphitheater is available. Rehearsals also may be held at Jordan's residence as needed.
The play is about a newlywed couple and the journey of their first year together. The husband is a "stuffed shirt," said Jordan, while the wife is a free spirit.
Since it is only the first year for the community theater, Jordan said, they plan to do only the one play. However, if the public receives it well, she said they may try to do a winter play and then more plays next summer.
As tickets will be reasonably priced - only $5 - Jordan said they will count on sponsorships to support the community theater.
Jordan, who will direct the play, can be contacted at 267-5063. Evenings are best.
