COMMUNITY THEATER IN THE HILLS
2018 Season A N N U A L
R E P O R T
2018 OHMPAA ADVISORY BOARD
Jennifer Adams Kelsey Franklin Kristen Short Connie Allen
Jeff Orwig Norman Hutchins, Jr. Terry Cole Stephenie Michaud Julie Middleton Scott Parsons Corrine Turner Jennifer Collins Kristen Searles Shelly Shibles Cathy Tuttle
President Vice President Secretary Treasurer
PO Box 131, Norway, ME 04268 www.ohmpaa.org facebook.com/OHMPAA
COMMUNITY THEATER IN THE HILLS
ABOUT OHMPAA
OHMPAA, the Oxford Hills Music and Performing Arts Association, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the presentation of quality entertainment on a regular basis featuring the talents of local residents. On January 1, 2009, OHMPAA became a program of Norway Maine Opera House Corporation which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. BACKGROUND
OHMPAA began staging productions at the Paris Hill Academy building in 1990 and at the Norway Grange in 2002. We are grateful to the Paris Hill Community Club and the Norway Grange members for allowing us unrestricted access to the facilities, providing the luxury of flexible rehearsal schedules, storage space, and time to build and nurture many spectacular sets. The availability adds immeasurably to the quality of a production. ADVISORY BOARD
OHMPAA is governed by an Advisory Board whose 15 members serve threeyear terms. Board members have wide-ranging backgrounds and professions, but share a love of theater and the arts. Members are elected annually. GET INVOLVED
Would you like to join in the fun? There are many ways to become more involved in OHMPAA. Sponsor a show or advertise in our program Many local businesses support arts in the Oxford Hills by sponsoring shows or advertising in our programs. We are most thankful for their vital help. You can find more information about sponsoring and advertising on our website: www. ohmpaa.org Take the stage or work behind the scenes We are always looking for: actors; directors; readers; musicians; music directors; people to help with costumes, props
and publicity; set designers and builders; stage managers; stage hands; technical directors; and house managers. Direct a show Each year we ask potential directors to submit ideas for shows. Ask any board member for more information. Become a member Membership forms are available tonight, or you may speak with a board member if you have questions about membership or being a part of a future production.
COMMUNITY THEATER IN THE HILLS
A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT It takes a community to put on a show. That’s how I started this note last year, and it is still true. We are so grateful for the support of our community, through good times and bad. The 2018 season was full of challenges; the most difficult was the unforeseen and untimely death of Noises Off cast member Melissa Stevens in the middle of the scheduled run. As devastating as Melissa’s passing was for the show’s production team and cast, we were also heartened by the number of ticket holders who didn’t want a refund and asked us to give the money to Melissa’s children instead. Two local organizations sent us large donations later in the season, which were much appreciated and will be put to good use! We thank the Norway Grange #45 for supporting us with a home, and to Michael Newsom and W.J. Wheeler Insurance for providing space for our costume and prop storage. Adrienne Coté and the staff at The Tribune continue to serve as our box office, for which we are profoundly grateful. The 2019 season will be a special one. We begin with a children’s production of the timeless classic The Wind in the Willows in early May. In June, we will present Papermaker, a beautiful drama about the impact of a strike on a paper mill’s workers and management. (If you have read Ernie’s Ark, the story will be familiar to you.) In July, we will participate in the Norway Music & Arts Festival again and will take a turn at the Thursday arts series in August. We will wrap up our 34th season with another classic, Godspell, helmed by first-time directors Jon Potter and Janelle Raven, who have both appeared many times on our stage. Thank you for your support this year. See you at the Grange and on Main Street in 2019!
Jennifer F. Adams President, OHMPAA Advisory Board
2018 INITIATIVES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS PUBLICITY COORDINATOR
We created a paid position and hired Janelle Raven to manage our publicity and social media for the year. Thanks to Janelle, our social media presence was greatly enhanced, and we even did our first Instagram takeover with four members of the Little Shop of Horrors cast. PRODUCERS BOOTCAMP
In February, long-time board member Jeff Orwig led an intense workshop in the art — and science — of producing plays and musicals for OHMPAA. The workshop was of immediate benefit to newer board members who were producing for the first time this season. NORWAY ARTS FESTIVAL
In July we put together some entertainment for the Norway Music & Arts Festival, which included lots of show tunes, a set from the Nezinscot Valley Community Theater, and a foray into improv. Keep your eyes open for more offerings from OHMProv in 2019! PHOTO BOARD
As part of our promotion for Little Shop of Horrors, board member Cathy Tuttle painted a photo board which we had available at the Arts Festival. The board featured Audrey II looming over Audrey and Seymour, with holes cut for faces. It was a popular stop at the Arts Festival.
NEW IN 2019 MAILING LIST DATABASE
We have made a modest investment in a cloud-based system for managing our mailing list and memberships. It is a work in progress but will eventually make it easier to maintain our mailing list. ONLINE TICKETING
Starting this season we will offer a portion of our tickets for sale online, at brownpapertickets.com. Tickets will also be available at The Tribune (cash or check, in person only). TELEPHONE NUMBER
We have set up our own telephone number through Google Voice. Although primarily intended as an information line, patrons may leave voicemail as well, for followup by a board member.
2018 SEASON SYNOPSIS NOISES OFF
Nine cast members included four new to OHMPAA’s stage. The second week of the run was cancelled due to the untimely death of cast member Melissa Stevens. Total tickets sold: 193. »» Producers — Connie Allen*, Elton Cole, Stephenie Michaud* »» Director — Corrine Turner* »» Auditioners, performers and production staff — Christopher Alberi, Lucas Allen, Eric Bell, Marsha Burchell-Richardson, June Desmond, Sandra Fickett, Abbie Goldberg, Norman Hutchins, Jr.*, Francesca Jellison, Ashley Kerr, Will Klotz, Savannah Leavitt, Joanne McDonald, Halie Page, Scott Parsons*, Sarah Porter, Sue Proctor, Brandon Pullen, Claire Sessions, Chris Short, Melissa May Stevens, Andrew Turner, Ebony Wells, Kitty Winship, Ethan Wright
GIFTS IN SUPPORT OF MELISSA MAY STEVENS’S FAMILY
A total of $1441.66 was contributed to Melissa Stevens’s family fund. Thank you to everyone who donated ticket refunds, redirected stipends or made additional gifts. Tom Littlefield Robin Mureck Lynn Hamper Tara Davis Kathy Gerrits-Leyden Lorie Olsen Susan Cairns Michelle Jane Seeds Jill Gli
Agnes Roberts 11 Senior Citizens from Five Kezar Pond Kariana Merrill Sue Proctor Anne Bernard Dennis Boyd Eliza Barnes Evan Allen
Eleanor Kubeck Earl & Joanne Morse Jennifer Adams Connie Allen Elton Cole Stephenie Michaud Catherine Winship Claire Sessions Janelle Raven
* OHMPAA Advisory Board Member
NORWAY MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL
We had a small sidewalk stage for the day of the festival and presented a variety of performances, from music to improv. »» Performers — Kelsey Franklin*, Will Klotz, Savannah Leavitt, Scott Parsons*, Janelle Raven, Daniel Rennie, Rebecca Rinaldi, Kristen Searles*, Jamie Lupien Swenson, Gabby Vallee, Joshua Witham, Ethan Wright »» Staff — Jennifer Adams*, Terry Cole*, Norman Hutchins, Jr.*, Sally Jones, Aaron Skolfield, Cathy Tuttle* THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED: BACKSTAGE STORIES
An installment of the storytelling series curated by Sally Jones. One night only. »» Producers — Norman Hutchins, Jr.*, Kelsey Franklin* »» Director — Sally Jones »» Presenters — Jennifer Collins*, Elton Cole, Jeff Orwig*, Scott Parsons*, Cynthia Reedy, Kristen Searles*, Claire Sessions, Jennifer St.Pierre, Dennis Twitchell, Diane Whitmore, Alison Whitney, Ethan Wright »» Total tickets sold — 68
* OHMPAA Advisory Board Member
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
The cast of 22 included seven making their OHMPAA debuts. Total tickets sold: 719. »» Producers — Jennifer Collins*, Shelly Shibles*, Kristen Short* »» Director — Andrew Scott Turner »» Music director — Jennifer Bennett »» Auditioners, performers and production staff — Liam Bell, Patricia BoyleWright, Ainsley Brown, Mary Ellen Cafiso, Jennifer Carter, Gregory Charette, Elton Cole, Jennifer Collins*, Thomas Coolidge, Amanda Daniels, Kelsey Franklin*, Ashley Gurney, Valerie Gurney, Garrett Haslett, Malakai Hecker, Logan Keane, Savannah Leavitt, Evan LeConey, Leah Licata, Elizabeth Livak, Rick McAlister, Halie Page, Scott Parsons*, Hillary Perry, Sarah Porter, Rachel Potter, Brandon Pullen, Robin Reis, Daniel Rennie, Lilijune Rennie, Sasha Richardson, Reese Rosenberg, Kristen Searles*, Stephen Sessions, Allison Short, Chris Short, Ian Short, Kristen Short*, Gayle Smedberg, Jennifer St.Pierre, Jo Steeves, Brandon Sukeforth, Ella Tilsley, Cathy Tuttle*, Dennis Twitchell, Anyah White, Duncan Winship, Kitty Winship, Ethan Wright GIFT OF THE MAGI/THE HAPPY PRINCE
Held in four area churches in December. Free admission as our gift to the community. »» Producers — Terry Cole*, Julie Middleton* »» Director — Cynthia Reedy »» Performers — Ian Griffith, Tom Littlefield, Charlotte Middleton, Julie Middleton*, Mike Porter, Sarah Porter, Alex Ray, Peyton Spurr, Rebekkah Willey
* OHMPAA Advisory Board Member
PRODUCTION INCOME AND EXPENSE MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS
Noises Off* Little Shop of Horrors EXPENSE
Fees1 $0,531.10 $2,430.70 Staff 883.33 3,199.00 Orchestra — 1,250.00 Technical2 688.12 1,647.81 Auditions3 139.63 145.24 Programs/Tickets 792.88 946.71 Publicity 491.49 521.66 House4 536.71 1,916.64 Miscellaneous 0.00 647.11 Total expense $4,063.26 $12,704.77 INCOME
Sponsors $1,200.00 $ 1,700.00 Program advertising 1,550.00 1,875.00 Ticket sales 964.00 7,489.00 Anonymous donation — 500.00 Other 424.68 1,263.51 Total income $4,138.68 $12,827.51 Net Profit/Loss $ 75.42 $ 122.74 OTHER PRODUCTIONS AND EVENTS
Production Income Expense Net Profit/Loss Norway Arts Festival — $100.00 ($100.00) Backstage Stories $680.00 $180.00 $540.00 Magi/Prince $500.00 $475.01 $24.99 * Noises Off only ran for four performances. Fees include royalties, cost of script rental or purchase, shipping of materials, and so forth. 2 Technical is for costs associated with sets, lighting, sound, costumes and the like. It does not include staff stipends. 3 Audition costs are typically printing and postage for notices, and materials needed for auditions themselves. 4 House covers rental payments to the Grange, utilities, refreshments, etc. 1
OTHER INCOME MEMBERSHIP SUPPORT
OTHER DONATIONS
Patrons $1645.00 Voting Members 430.00 Supporting Members 75.00
Anonymous $1,000.00 RH Contracting, Inc. 500.00
Total $2,150.00
Total $1,500.00
GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES Advertising and Promotion $ 825.20 Insurance $ 874.00 Equipment and Furnishings $ 172.78 Utilities $ 46.03 Professional Services $ 640.00 Royalties $ 278.00 Miscellaneous $ 182.00 Total $3,018.01
GIFTS IN KIND AUDITION/REHEARSAL SPACE
Deering Memorial Community Center COSTUMES AND PROPS
Nordex Labs — lab coats
PRODUCTION SUPPORT
Elton Cole — dressing room coffee maker; refreshments Chris Short — photography TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Russell Rowe
VOLUNTEERS
Holly Allen Elton Cole Devin ColeMason Mike Porter Sarah Porter
Daniel Rennie Claire Sessions Aaron Skolfield Bailey Turner Griffin Turner
OTHER COMMUNITY SUPPORT
School Administrative District 17 Norway Historical Society B&C Oil Michael Donovan and Tim Baker/ Portland Players Elaine Bard/Some Theatre Company
2018 SPONSORS NOISES OFF
Show Sponsors New Balance and Stephens Memorial Hospital Ticket Sponsor Rising Sun Café and Bakery LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
Show Sponsor Norway Savings Bank Show Co-Sponsor Oxford Federal Credit Union Ticket Sponsor Rising Sun Café and Bakery Additional Support Anonymous THE GIFT OF THE MAGI/THE HAPPY PRINCE
Sponsor Bob & Sandy Bahre
2018 SEASON ADVERTISERS 290 Main Street Allen and Co. Alternative Modular Homes Applebee’s Art Moves B&C Oil Co. beangroup Lorie Olson/Bearfoot Realty Bessey Motors Bisco Property Management Bolster’s Decorating Café Nomad Carter’s XC Center Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service Creations by Susan/Country Expressions Crossway Family Dental Damon Accounting Deering Memorial Community Center
Dr. Rob’s Garage Edward Jones Financial Expansion Arts Dance Studio First Congregational Church Hebron Academy Maurice Restaurant Français Norway Opera House Corporation Norway Savings Bank Papoose Pond Family Campground & Cabins Paris Cape Realty Paris Farmers Union Paris Public Library Phin Enterprises Rice Tree Services Ruthie’s Boutique Smokin’ Dave’s Backyard BBQ & Grill Speedway, Inc.
IN KIND SUPPORT ABC Rubbish • The Tribune • W. J. Wheeler Insurance
2018 OHMPAA MEMBERS
We are deeply grateful for the support of our members. Thank you! SUPPORTING MEMBERS
Contribution of $5 Christine Cole Fiskars Cutting Mary Dervishian
Randy & Linda Jack Donald & Judith Mayberry
Elizabeth Morrison Jennifer & Steve St.Pierre Lois Strauss
VOTING MEMBERS
Contribution of $10; Voting Privileges Jennifer Adams* Connie J. Allen* Lucas Allen Mary A. Briggs Susan Cairns Elton Cole Terry Cole* Jennifer Collins* Phil Cosman Kathryn & Michael Davis Christopher & Paula Easton Kelsey Franklin*
Carol Huotari Norman Hutchins* Paul Johanson Sally Jones Ethel Lacourse Tom Littlefield Joanne McDonald Richard McIntosh Bill & Marjorie Medd Stephenie Michaud* Julie Middleton* Jeff Orwig* Scott D. Parsons*
Janelle Raven Denny & Ginny Raymond Kristen Searles* Claire Sessions Steve Sessions Kristen Short* Shelly Shibles* Corrine* & Andrew Turner Cathy Tuttle* Florence Wendell Kitty Winship
PATRONS
Contribution Greater Than $5 Jamie & Susan Alberi Marguerite Alberi Dan Allen Al & Mary Alice Bancroft Gene & Ellen Benner Mary Ann Briggs Mary Ann Brown Terry* and Curtis Cole Susan Denison John & Karen Ellis Sandra F. Farrar Linda Gamble
Leo & Sandy Geddry Kathleen Gerritts-Leyden Jane Gibson Janice Guilford Randy & Linda Jack Sally Jones Thomas Littlefield Chris P. Longley Donald & Judith Mayberry Bill & Marjorie Medd Bob & Joan Moorehead
Jay & Debra Partridge Joy Plate Mike & Sarah Porter Norman & Janet Pullen Joel & Kathy Pulkkinen Denny & Ginny Raymond Nancy T. Rideout Brian & Shelly* Shibles Mary F. Smith Dennis Twitchell Sharon Wilson-Cox
MEMBERS EMERITUS Dan Allen Shirli Heald Allen
* OHMPAA Advisory Board Member
COMMUNITY THEATER IN THE HILLS
2019 34th season
M AY 3 – 5
The Wind in the Willows BY JOSEPH BALDWIN
Based on the classic book by Kenneth Grahame, this children’s production features the adventures of Toad, Ratty, Badger and Mole. Directed by Corrine Turner. JUNE 20–23 & 28–30
Papermaker BY MONICA WOOD
During a paper mill strike in a small Maine town, the lives of two families collide around a company CEO and a man building a wooden ark in his yard. Criss-crossing the lines between workers and management, novelist Monica Wood’s first play is a revealing drama about family, loyalty, and the quiet intricacies of mill-town life. Directed by Julie Middleton. N OV E M B E R 1 4 –1 7 & 2 1 – 2 4
GODSPELL BOOK BY JOHN MICHAEL TEBELAK, MUSIC AND NEW LYRICS BY STEPHEN SCHWARTZ
A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and a hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus’s life dances across the stage and his messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life. Directed by Jonathan Potter and Janelle Raven.
Also from OHMPAA JULY 13 Norway Music & Arts Festival MAIN STREET, NORWAY AUGUST 15 Summer Arts Series LONGLEY SQUARE, NORWAY
ohmpaa.org