by Danielle Frawley

The Shelburne Players theatre group has been dazzling Shelburne with theatrical talent for the past eight years. Founders and former Shelburne residents Seth Koch and Anne Pardee had a passion for local theatre when they began the group. Although both of these members have moved on, a dedicated group of players have stayed and moved the theatre troupe forward with a variety of plays.

Theatrical productions include, "Much Ado about Nothing," "Blythe Spirit," "The Rainmaker," and the group’s newest undertaking, "Born Yesterday." The upcoming performance is scheduled for April 16-18 and 22-24. On the Shelburne Town Center’s stage a cast of 12 will bring to life the story of a corrupt tycoon and his mistress. Sue Martin, Shelburne resident and member of the Shelburne Players from the beginning, says that since the group first began performing, they have become a bit more financially stable and have been able to create more elaborate sets. Martin, who has also produced several plays, said that things have not changed much over time, including the hard working group of volunteers, and the structure of the way the plays are put together.

President of the Shelburne Players Board, Ken Fishell, explained that as the current production readies for the stage, a group of three or four board members has already formed a play-reading committee to read scripts for the next production. The committee has not chosen a play for the fall of 2010, although they are close. The job of selecting a play is not an easy one; they are limited because of physical space and they have to stay within a budget for set and costumes.

Martin, who has gathered props and put together costume designs for several shows, explained that it is always fun and exciting to "scrounge around looking for bargains." She went on to explain that the group saves and reuses a lot of its equipment and materials from production to production. One of Martin’s favorite sets was "Blythe Spirit" because it was English, vintage, and classic. She always looks forward to her involvement in planning the next production for the players. "The selecting, envisioning, and seeing it come together are fun," said Martin.

Both Martin and Fishell said that one of the biggest needs for the Shelburne Players is actors. At one point, Martin was playing three different maids for three separate households in one play. She said that even folks without a lot of acting experience could play a small part. Another area where volunteers would be helpful is behind the scenes. Fishell said that if you are interested, you could begin to be involved by working on sets and stage management and later work your way to acting, producing, or directing. Volunteer makeup artists and costume designers are helpful too. Martin said that you do not need a lot of experience; the group will train you for any volunteer position. "Come on in," encouraged Martin.

If you are interested in lending your talents to the Shelburne Players, please email shelburneplayers@aol.com.

Additionally, if your child is interested in theatre, the Shelburne Players conducts a summer camp each year in cooperation with the Shelburne Parks and Recreation Department. The camps run Aug. 2 through Aug. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information and to register, call 985-9551. Enrollment is limited, so register early to guarantee placement.