Volunteers make 'Moon Over Buffalo' theater production come together

by Carolyn Lancaster

Carson Valley Community Theatre

Sometimes it looks too easy by the time the audience watches a wonderful production. What's going on behind the scenes to make sure that the actors look good on stage?

First, a play is chosen that's suitable for community theater and the local talent. Are the rights to the play available, affordable? Where and when will the play be presented? Where can we rehearse?

Find people to direct, produce and stage the play. They may have previous experience, or may be dipping their feet in the waters of community theater for the first time.

If the budget is approved by the community theater board, the director studies actor requirements, and sets auditions and rehearsals. The stage manager designs sets, secures a props manager, lighting tech, a sound tech. Who will help with costumes? Who will do hair and make-up? Who will design and print the programs, flyers, and posters? The producer handles the details of publicity, advertising, plus anything that helps the director.

The process sounds like work because it is indeed hours of work. But by now the creative juices are flowing. The director worries that no one will audition, especially the right one. The stage manager edits the sets over and over, to make sure the scenery will fit the staging area and enhance the movement of the actors. The producer secures help with publicity, the selling of ads, and schedules production meetings.

The fun begins when the actors delve into their parts. The director knows it takes hours of rehearsal for the actors to become their character.

Volunteers paint sets, make costumes and props, hang posters and banners, write articles for the newspapers, update the theater Web site, plan the bar and food for performance nights, and sell tickets.

The character Hannibal from the 1980s TV show "A-Team" used to say, "I love it when a plan comes together."

The plan is coming together for the Carson Valley Community Theatre's production of the comedy "Moon Over Buffalo," directed by Margaret Edson.

Edson had the starring role in a California production of the Ken Ludwig play. Carol Schwartz produces a community theater production for the first time, drawing from her experience as a dancer on Broadway. Norris Edson learned the role of a stage manager from some of the best in community theater, and strives to teach others from his experience.

Carson Valley Community Theatre recruits volunteers from the ranks of past actors and from anyone who wants a new experience and the feeling of belonging to a team.

When you enjoy "Moon Over Buffalo," remember the myriad of volunteers who run the bar, the lights, the sound. Remember the dressers, hair stylists, makeup artists, prop managers, and the people who get the word out about "Moon Over Buffalo."

Community theater - we love it when a plan comes together.

Carson Valley Community Theatre presents "Moon Over Buffalo" beginning Oct. 9 at the CVIC Hall in Minden.

The Ken Ludwig comedy is about aging husband and wife actors who have the chance to become big screen stars in the 1950s.

Shows are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 9, 10 and 16, 17. Sunday matinees are 2 p.m. Oct. 11 and 18. Tickets are $15 general, $12 for students and seniors. Opening night champagne and dessert Gala, $20 and $17. Tickets and dinner and show packages at (775) 720-7186. Show tickets available at Carson Valley Arts Council/Copeland Building, 1572 Highway 395, Minden, and Barone & Reed Food Co., 1599 Esmeralda, Minden. Information, www.carsonvalleycommunitytheatre.org