Offstage Noises | Fall 2022

noises

Offstage

Fall 2022

Alissa, Al, Adam, & Aralyn Cooper

Upcoming Events September 22-24 Playtime presents

The Three Little Pigs Weekends in October Downtown & Oak Grove

River City Ghost Tours October 20-30 Studio Series

Misery

November 11-12, 18-19 Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

Proof of the Matter November 17-20

MHT Footlights Performance

Disney's The Lion King KIDS December 8-18 Signature Series

A Christmas Carol

People have said after every production that their castmates feel like family. Some casts even remain in touch years after the show is over. For the Coopers, their castmates are their family.

Alissa, Al, Aralyn, and Adam Cooper have shared the stage for two Market House Theatre productions, Bright Star (2022) and, most recently, School of Rock (2022). Al was the first to make their Market House Theatre debut in The Hobbit (2017). Soon after, Adam Cooper made his on-stage Market House Theatre debut with Al on stage crew in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder (2019). Along the way, Alissa volunteered to help as well. "During dress rehearsals I must have been at the theatre when corsets were getting tied and offered to help tie them for the shows," Alissa shared. "I would show up in time to tie corsets and then run backstage during intermission to set a prop needed for the second act." Then, in 2022, Alissa and Aralyn made their on-stage debuts in Bright Star, alongside family members Al and Adam. All four family members have shared the stage ever since “Sharing the stage with my family has been very fun,” Al expressed. “It also makes getting to rehearsal a lot easier.” When discussing sharing the stage with each other in individual conversations, each expressed how treasured this opportunity has been. Adam shared, "We have been able to see each other in new ways. Watching talents and passions develop and grow is beautiful." Aralyn admitted that, “...it has given us designated time to hang out. We have fun dancing off stage and making jokes with each other.”

But, even though these four make every performance look flawless, Alissa knows it wouldn’t be possible without the support of the rest of their family. “Our oldest son, Aidan, and his wife, Gina, have come to see us perform each time and bring our youngest son, Axtan, along to see the shows, too. Axtan spends several hours without us during rehearsals and shows but sings along to the soundtracks at home and loves to see the show come together.”

Alissa continued, "I’m so thankful for the Market House family and how welcoming they are. From sitting in the audience to volunteering to acting, it has been great to feel a part of the community through the arts. It feels wonderful to be connected to the Market House community and offer that same welcome to others who are new to the theatre."

We appreciate the support of our Season 59 Platinum and Gold sponsors.

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THAT ' S A

Thank you to everyone who supported Market House Theatre during the Community Foundation of West Kentucky’s 21st Annual Fred Paxton Challenge for Charities presented by UBS. Friends of the Market House Theatre raised $47,655 of the Theatre’s $50,000 goal.

These dollars leveraged two matching gifts: $10,000 from the Fred and Peggy Paxton Endowment Fund, which, in turn, earned a match from a generous community donor of $10,000.

Your donated dollars help Market House Theatre pay for the costumes, sets, and the rights to do plays and programming, making MHT accessible to everyone in the community to participate as actors and crews for plays. The matching gifts from the Paxton Endowment Fund and our anonymous donor go directly into Market House Theatre’s Endowment Fund, which will benefit future generations.

Again, thank you! If you’ve already included Market House Theatre in your estate planning or to learn more about securing the future of Market House Theatre through a planned gift, contact our Development Director at 270/444-6828 x 103 or ronda@mhtplay.org.

Above: (L to R) Clint Combs, Ron Miller, Sandra Miller, Tawnya Hunter, Kellie Wilferd, Dr. Allison Rains, Tom DeCillis, Jim DeCillis, and Chris Beal Left: Gavin Posey of the Community Foundation of West Kentucky (left) presents Chris Beal (right), MHT Board President, with MHT's total Paxton award.

A FALL REFRESH After it's first three years in use, the Courtyard Theatre recieved some new revitalizing features.

When COVID-19 became rampant in the United States, theatres across the country shut down with no perception of what the future would hold. Theatres looked to new digital technologies to bring the experience to the audience but small theatres could not leverage this technology and keep the cost manageable. Others, such as Market House Theatre (MHT), looked at other options like - what if we took the theatrical experience outdoors?

Despite limited staffing, MHT went to work and developed the Courtyard Theatre from a parking lot and small courtyard used by the theatre’s apartments. Laying artificial turf to create the grounds of the space and using spray paint to create socially-distanced pods, Market House Theatre developed a viable space that kept the performing arts alive in West Kentucky.

It’s been three years since the inception of the Courtyard Theatre which has hosted many Market House and private events and forever changed how MHT operates summer

programming. But, people began to see its wear and tear.

This summer, MHT was able to revitalize the Courtyard to keep it looking fresh for years to come. Now featuring new flower beds, stone benches, and gorgeous porcelain flower pots, the refreshed space provides a beautiful backdrop for your next event. The covered raised stage and sunshades offer the perfect space for performances, weddings, conferences, social gatherings, and business meetings.

The Courtyard Theatre & Lobby, Studio 200 Theatre & Events space, and other Market House Theatre spaces are available for your next event. You can learn more about facility rentals, rates, and contracts on our website at MarketHouseTheatre.org. For more information or to schedule your rental, contact Travis Hensel, Facilities Manager, at travis@mhtplay.org or (270) 444-6828, ext. 107

from the desk of

Michael Cochran

As we kicked off the start of our 59th season of shows, we shared excitment with new people, new equipment, new spaces, and new programming! We have added two new staff members- Brendan Corbett as our Master Carpenter and Resident Tech for all MHT performance spaces and Alexandra Brue as our new Resident Stage Manager/ Properties Master for all our performances.

School of Rock debuted a really big new piece of equipment. We have replaced our 12-yearold rear screen projector with a brand-new LED wall. The majority of funding for this LED wall was made possible through a grant from the Kentucky Colonels. The cost to replace the projector was almost $40,000.

After 12 years, Market House Theatre has finally finished construction on all Next Stage Project buildings! Last month we opened our new Studio 200 Theatre and Event space at 200 Kentucky Avenue. This new theatre venue seats between 150-190 people, providing us with the much-needed space for more educational performances and the production of new plays.

Studio 200 also gives us the capability of extending the run of Signature and Youth Series performances in the main Market House Theatre building when we can.

payments to come in. The theatre board agreed to take on $95,000 of debt to cover the cost of the line of credit and final construction factors due to supply chain issues beyond our control.

Market House Theatre has the means to pay this off in five years.

We are getting the final design for our donor wall which will be showcased in the Studio 200 lobby. We will continue to honor all donors of all levels in our Signature Series program during this 59th season.

So many people have helped MHT reach this point of not only opening our 59th Season but also with all the growth we have achieved. To the many donors who provided funding for the Next Stage Project, our program donors who contribute to our annual operating funds and the Paxton Challenge, those who leave a legacy or estate gift to our endowment, our sponsors, program advertisers, and the Kentucky Colonels - thank you! Your support allows us to not just entertain, but to change lives through theatre as a teaching tool for learning life skills for so many youth and adults.

See you at the shows!

When we started the Next Stage Project, the driving force that remained throughout was the goal of providing resources and opportunities to give as many people in our community as possible the opportunity to develop and share their talent. It wasn’t about having “new” buildings or facilities. The driving question was, how many more people can we help participate?

Here are a few highlights of the Next Stage Project I'd like to share: - A total of 323 constituents contributed $4,640,822 in gifts and pledges.

The average donation was $11,000, and the largest was $500,000.

- Fifty-one volunteer board members served during the campaign. 100% of these board members contributed to the campaign for a total of $475,000.

- Grants comprised only $100,000 of the total. They were $75,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts and $25,000 from the Delta Regional Authority.

Learn more at MarketHouseTheatre.org

While the construction of The Next Stage Project is complete, the funds are still coming in to “finish” the project. We still expect $295,000 in pledge payments to be paid over the next two to three years to help cover the final bills. Market House Theatre has taken out a line of credit to pay off the construction bills while waiting for those final pledge

September 22-24, 2022

Reserve your free seats today!

The Three Little Pigs! A classic story where three pigs set off to build houses of their own. But, oh no, they better watch out for that wolf!

Come play, learn, sing, and just have fun with PlayTime!

Join the Clubhouse at the Market House Gang and act out beloved stories from around the world! Kids participate in the telling of the story by singing, interacting and role-playing along with the Clubhouse actors! Learn the secret password and don’t forget your magic keys to unlock the Rainbow Story Book! It’s an interactive performance perfect for “wiggle-giggle” audiences!

Plus, each family gets a free book!* Reserve your free seats online at MarketHouseTheatre.org or call the box office at (270) 444-6828. Seats go fast so, get your seats today!

Playtime is sponsored by the McCracken County Early Childhood Development Council and Don & Renie Barger. *while supplies last

We appreciate the support of our Season 59 Education sponsors.

INSPIRATION SPONSOR

IMAGINATION SPONSORS

Jean L. Truitt & Family Arts-in-Education Initiatives

CREATIVITY SPONSORS

Drs. Rheanel & Blair Tolar

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S.POSTAGE PAID PADUCAH, KY PERMIT #146

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, provides operating support to Market House Theatre with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and American Rescue Plan Funds

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SESSIONS BEGIN JANUARY 9 Oh , start being so dramatic! WINTER REGISTRATION OPENS NOVEMBER 14 Have you ever wanted to learn ballet, perform in a show, or simply learn the process of getting a performance from page to stage? Our education programs continue this winter with our premier Footlights theatre education progam and DanceMHT! Your young artist will develop new artistic abilities while making new friends and having fun! Registration for winter classes begins Novbember 14. Visit MarketHouseTheatre.org to learn more.

Based on Stephen King's hit psychological thriller, Misery follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “Number One Fan,” Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Paul is convalescing, Annie reads his newest novel and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. Annie forces Paul to write a new “Misery” novel, and he quickly realizes Annie has no intention of letting him go anywhere. The irate Annie has Paul writing as if his life depends on it, and it does.

Misery will be the first show in our new Studio 200 theatre and the new Studio Series. The production features Audra Turner as Annie Wilkes, Tom Dolan as Paul Sheldon, and Steve Hudgins as Buster. Misery is directed by Michael Cochran, stage managed by Alexandra Brue, with set design by Tom Hansen and costume design by Charlotte Campbell.

Performances are October 20-22 & 27-29 at 7 PM, and October 23 & 30 at 2:30 PM. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets are available online or by calling the MHT Box Office at (270) 444-6828, Monday-Friday, 10 AM - 5 PM. Performance times and ticket information is also available at MarketHouseTheatre.org

We appreciate the support of our Season 59 Silver sponsors.

We appreciate the support of our Season 59 Bronze sponsors.

AAA Stow-A-Way Storage, LLC • Atlas Door of Paducah • Atmos Energy • Allen Auto Sales • Eyewear Express • Henneberger & Flynn Insurance Agency, Inc. • Kathleen & Nick Gillespie of Arnold Realty Group Mercy Health Lourdes Hospital • Peel & Holland Insurance • Stewart Girl Ministries/ Rev. Dr. Bernice (Stewart) Belt • Whitlow, Roberts, Houston & Straub • Williams & Roof Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors