Glen Ellyn theater troupe to hold picnic, show
Prospective members are invited to the Village Theatre Guild’s free Member Welcome Picnic starting at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, at the theater, Park Boulevard and Butterfield Road, Glen Ellyn. No reservations are needed.
Attendees will be treated to a showcase of scenes from the group’s annual play reading list and learn about ways to get involved in community theater, including acting, directing and the essential backstage functions.
The scenes, directed by guild President Barb Burghardt, will feature the talents of Ken Ball, Holly Van Horn, Lynn Walsh, Paul Siegal and Anita Vigilante.
“Not everyone likes to act,” Burghardt said, “so we are always looking for members who enjoy the full range of community theater activities. We need costumers, prop people and folks who are handy or creative enough to help with sets. Just spreading the word about an upcoming production is a vital role we all try to play. No theater experience is necessary.”
The Village Theatre Guild stages four major productions a year, and auditions are open to anyone. Regular meetings are at 7:30 p.m. the third Monday of each month and usually feature short scenes or performances by members.
The guild also hosts acting, directing and technical workshops throughout the year that are taught by visiting artists from Chicago’s professional theater scene.
This learning program is unique among community theaters, and it is free to members.
Neil LaBute’s “autobahn” will open the 2011-12 season Oct. 21 to Nov. 12. The play consists of seven vignettes set in the front seat of a car. Weird, funny, disturbing and unique, the play captures the essence of middle America and the myriad paths that cross its surface. Auditions will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, at the theater.
Neil Simon’s “Rumors” runs Jan. 20 to Feb. 11. The comic journey starts when several affluent New York couples arrive at a 10th anniversary dinner party, only to discover the hostess and the help missing and that the host has shot himself in the earlobe. Complications arise as the guests try to hide the information from each other and, eventually, the police.
Spring brings “Love Song” by John Kolvenbach, running March 23 to April 14. The crisp, humorous, thought-provoking play explores themes of love, family and commitment in a comic — yet deeply meaningful — way.
Finally, Christopher Durang’s “Beyond Therapy” closes the season May 25 to June 16. In a funny sendup of dating and modern-day psychiatry, Bruce and Prudence meet on a blind date. After their initial meeting, each goes to their psychiatrist for therapy, guidance and advice, and the therapists help as only therapists can.
For tickets or information about the Village Theatre Guild, call (630) 469-8230 or visit VillageTheatreGuild.org. Season tickets will be available at the Member Welcome Picnic.