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Scenes from the Hat
Issue 4: May-June 2024
Welcome to Scenes from the Hat, a bimonthly newsletter that highlights local theater news, updates, and featurettes on many of the talented people who make up the Greater Lynchburg Theater Community.
Spring is here and with it comes A LOT of theatre! Every community theatre has been hard at work with various shows. Whether you are in the mood for a light comedy, a contemplative drama, or a joyous musical, there is something for you nearly every weekend in this area. In this newsletter, we have some exciting news to share about an event we have been working on behind the scenes. We also get to know a local improv camp leader, learn about the humble beginnings of a now massively successful theatre company, and remember one of Lynchburg's theatrical icons. So sit on your porch swing, listen to the sounds of spring, and enjoy the mild weather before the summer heat hits while you check out Scenes From the Hat.
Past Issues
What's New With Us
We have some exciting news coming to our community. We are presenting the very first Lynchburg Community Theatre Festival! This idea stems from the earliest days of the Foundation when the board began brainstorming ways to bring the theaters together. We all realized that we are rarely able to socialize with each other outside of participating in a show. Wouldn't it be great to celebrate all things that make our theater community great, without having to rehearse at the same time? Thus, the idea of the Community Theatre Festival was born.
Chef, Thespian, and Winnie the Pooh: The Legacy of Jim Myers
Winnie the Pooh: the classic storybook character that has captured the hearts of children and adults for generations. What is it about this teddy bear that makes him so lovable? Perhaps it is his charming naivete, enless optimism, or kind-hearted demeanor. Nearly one hundred years after his first published appearance, he and his friends at Hundred Acre Wood have shown no signs of slowing down. There have been numerous tales written about Pooh, most famously in his Disney incarnation. Even in recent years, new stories have been written starring Pooh including a meeting with Queen Elizabeth II on her 90th birthday. But twenty-four years ago, a local director and actor decided to write his own theatrical Winnie the Pooh stories. The playwright was Jim Myers.
Wolfbane Productions
Backstage Pass
Each issue of Scenes From the Hat will feature a theater and exploring the theater's beginnings, evolution over the years, and goals for the future - plus some fun facts along the way. This issue, we're traveling out to Appomattox to visit a theater company that needs no introduction. Wolfbane Productions has taken central Virginia by storm with its beautiful outdoor venue and first class production quality. While many of its shows are family friendly and well-known, Wolfbane is also known for taking risks and doing shows that are newer or perhaps have never been performed at any other local theater. With how popular Wolfbane has become, one would think this theater has been around for decades. That makes it all the more surprising how Wolfbane's story begins relatively recently in 2008.
Neal Tosi
Actor
Spotlight
Each issue of Scenes From the Hat will interview a local actor/actress, director, set designer , or crew member. This is a chance for you know some of these icons of the Lynchburg theatre community who you may have seen on stage or watched shows they were involved in backstage or directed. This issue's spotlight: Troy Mearkle This issue's spotlight: Denis Deane This interview with Denis was conducted on November 5, 2023. He had already been diagnosed with cancer, yet was in great spirits as he laughed and gleefully recollected his theatrical career. Sadly, Denis passed away on December 13, 2023. The many years of experience and wisdom he passed on will be an enduring legacy that we hope you find valuable and enjoyable. It is our honor to present this final interview with Denis Deane - a leader, a teacher, a creator, and a dear friend.
Upcoming Events
MAY
2-5
2-4
2-5
2-5
3-5
3-4, 10-12
4, 11
16-19
16-19
17-19
18
20-21
22-23
24-25, 31
24-26, 31
31
Brookville High School
West Side Story
City on a Hill Youth Theater
Ladies of the Jury
Liberty High School
Newsies
Liberty University
The Wiz
Jefferson Forest High
High School Musical
Little Town Players
Bright Star
Commerce Street Theatre
Winnie the Pooh:
Kanga Rules
Masterworx Theatre
The Great Unstoppable Mighty Mites Take the Field (Again)
Liberty Christian Acad.
Shrek
Dunbar Middle School
Matilda Jr.
Old City Cemetery
Scandalous
Masterworx Theatre
*Auditions for Pygmalion*
E.C. Glass High
New Works Festival
Little Dinner Theatre
Bullets for Broadway
Wolfbane Productions
Spamalot!
Renaissance Theatre
Willy Wonka and the
Chocolate Factory
Little Dinner Theatre
Bullets for Broadway
Spamalot!
Renaissance Theatre
Willy Wonka and the
Chocolate Factory
246 The Main
Clare Voyant
Endstation Theatre
Playwrights Initiative
Reading Festival
Endstation Theatre
Twelfth Night
Masterworx Theatre
Pygmalion
Next Issue
Stay tuned for our next newsletter for July-August 2024. If you want to receive this newsletter in your e-mail, please add your name to our e-mail list below. As always, thank you for your continued support of this Foundation, the theaters of the Greater Lynchburg area, and the world of performing arts.
"Let's all support each other and help the Lynchburg community theatres thrive."
-Mark W. Foreman