We’re Traveling Actors: Our Adventures in Touring Theatre
The Bright Star crew is always on the go. Reeni and Erin from the office just returned from an Arts in Education Showcase on Long Island while David and Tina are planning a trip to Orlando for a Youth Librarian Conference. Coming up in May, Reeni and Erin will make an exciting journey to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany for the 2016 European PTA Conference. We’ll be meeting with parents and educators who are on U.S. Military bases abroad and we cannot wait to perform one of our favorite plays while we’re there: Aesop’s Fables! In the opening of this play two hilarious characters, Penny and Mabel, proudly introduce themselves by saying, “We’re traveling actors! We’ve traveled all over the world…from near to far, to and fro, side to side, up and down to perform for you some of our very favorite stories of all time!” In our 14th year as a touring theatre company, this line has become like a metaphor for what we do best: bringing educational, engaging theatre to audiences in every imaginable venue.
With Bright Star actors and staff traveling all over the United States and beyond, it’s sometimes easy to forget that we’re based in lovely Asheville, North Carolina…but this week we’re all thrilled to take a little break from turnpikes and Times Square for a hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Just a few days ago, our wonderfully talented actors Ella Smith and Evan Jackson presented a hugely successful performance of Upcycled Cinderella and a sold out performance of American Giants of Science at Asheville Community Theatre. Our actors will also be performing this week in Saluda Elementary, Lake Toxaway Elementary and the Stecoah Arts Center in Robbinsville, North Carolina.
On Saturday, April 23rd at 10:00 am, the hilarious and gifted actors Bobby Duncalf and Allison Petrillo will be returning to Asheville Community Theatre to perform Bright Star’s 45 minute adaptation of The Secret Garden. We hope to get a huge turn out from our community because this show is funny, heartwarming, perfect for spring and great for families. I can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday morning in April.
It’s good to be home!
Erin Schmidt, Director of Development, Bright Star Touring Theatre
