The Williamsburg Players tage “Community Theatre at Its Best” www.williamsburgplayers.org

S March 2010 Write z z Act Locally Educating Rita One way you can become more Educating Rita is a delightful com- The professor, Frank, has been as- involved with your community at the edy about a scrappy young English signed as Rita’s tutor. He is a jaded, most local level is to become a sponsor woman from the lower classes, Rita, boozy poet who hasn’t written any- of a production at The Williamsburg who has a zest for life and a yearn- thing in years. He needs the extra Players. It is an excellent opportunity ing for knowledge. She is tired of money that tutoring would pay, but to get maximum exposure to the com- her mundane job as a hairdresser he would rather spend his time at munity without breaking the advertis- ing budget. and wants to improve her lot in life. the pub. However, during their first Here are just some of the benefits Her husband wants Rita to stay just meeting Frank is impressed by Ri- of sponsorship: the way she is. He wants her to settle ta’s down-to-earth, unspoiled intelli- • Invitations to Premier Night, our down and start gence, and signature black-tie event to kick a family. In- Help us go green by signing up to receive he agrees off every show. Give tickets to stead, Rita an electronic copy of Stage Write. to prepare clients, colleagues and company Send a message to opts to ex- her for her employees. [email protected] pand the lim- e x a m i n a - • A display of your promotional materials in the theatre lobby for its of her life tions. the entire run of the show (a 4- by signing up for a literature course As the play unfolds you may find week minimum) under the British open university sys- that it resembles George Bernard • Two tickets to each show of the tem. over for “Rita” season. • A full page ad in the show pro- gram and recognition for the rest of the season as a sponsor. This A Message from the President also includes recognition in all For some time now you have heard In these exciting times for The advertising for the sponsored talk about our efforts to raise funds to Williamsburg Players I want to ask show, on our website, Facebook, expand YOUR theatre. The old say- each of you to give something other Twitter, and your757.com. ing that “actions speak louder than than money. Of course, we welcome Please call Susan Fournier at words” comes to mind here. I will any donations….yes I had to get in 757-229-1679 to learn more about simply say that as this is being writ- that one “give us money” plug. how you can be a show sponsor. ten we are so very close to that dream In the first paragraph I wrote becoming a reality. over for “President” The U.S. Postage Paid Williamsburg Players Nonprofit Org. “Community Theatre at its Best” Williamsburg VA Permit No. 41 P.O. Box 91 Williamsburg, Virginia 23187

President that I am asking you for Rita of La Mancha, Bus Stop and “expand YOUR theatre.” your input. Shaw’s , and in- The Unexpected Guest. Paul Yes, it IS your theatre. We What is it that keeps you deed it does. I thought of it is a playwright whose plays would not exist if it were coming to our shows? as without the have been produced locally. not for the wonderful gen- What would it take to music. He works at NASA. erosity of our patrons and have you invite your friends Amy Griffin has been Educating Rita is directed audience members. YOU to come to a show? cast in the title role. This is by Les Waldron. Les is a are the reason we do what What can we do to give her first appearance on The veteran Players’ director we do. So, if it is YOUR you more? Players’ stage, but since her and actress. She was last theatre, you should have Your ideas are vital to arrival in Williamsburg she seen on stage as Daisy Wer- the option of sharing what our continued success. I has been very active in our than in Driving Miss Daisy. you like…what you do ask that you not be shy and theatre, having served as She has directed 84 Char- not…what you want from voice your thoughts. property mistress for Bare- ing Cross Road, Bus Stop and us. Whether we have 100 Please feel free to con- foot in the Park and as stage Deathtrap, among others. seats or 300, the continued tact me by phone (757-229- manager for Arsenic and Old Educating Rita opens on success of The Williams- 1679) or e-mail (ed@wil- Lace. Amy is a performing March 18 and runs through burg Players depends on liamsburgplayers.org) and arts interpreter at Colonial April 10. For reservations YOU. A state-of-the- share your thoughts with Williamsburg. call 757-229-0431. Leave facility will not dictate that me. Our goal is not simply Paul Schutte plays a message, and someone success, only our patrons to have a bigger building; Frank, the professor. Paul on our box office staff will and audiences will. it is to provide you with a has been active in the the- return your call as soon as So this is a bit different much better theatre experi- atre for many years. On our possible. from most of the messages ence. stage he appeared in Man — Al Schumann I have written; different in — Ed Allen

March 18 Educating Rita opens If you want to volunteer and be a bigger part March 21 Readers Theatre: Show People of your community theatre, please stop by the March 28 Readers Theatre: The Oubliette theatre and chat with us. And don’t forget to fill April 11 Strike the set for Educating Rita out a volunteer contact card while you’re there. April 25-26 Readers Theatre audition: Call It Love