Big Sky Community Theater prepares for May 15 performance
By Ashley Dodd GUEST COLUMNIST
As the end of the ski season approaches and the snow stops—and starts, and stops, and starts again—locals emerge with a renewed sense of caution as both bears and mountain bikes reappear from hibernation, and our collective thoughts turn once again to the stage. Fresh off a phenomenal winter schedule of productions and events, the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center will once again host a Big Sky Community Theater original production, “Going Off Trail,” for one night only on Friday, May 15 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online atwarrenmillerpac.org.
The production—written cooperatively by BSCT members Alex Youre, Laura Seyfang, Steve Chernausek, Jonathan Gans, Cindy Fan, Steph Kissell, and Laynee Jones—is a true celebration of collective involvement. In a time where we increasingly begin to feel the push and pull of our community’s inevitable growth and change, this collaboration highlights—and pokes fun of—our need for connection and meaning within our small town. Directed by Jeremy Blyth, this spring’s production features a cast of over 15 local actors, singers and dancers working together to build upon the success of last year’s original creation, “On the Face of It,” a series of short scenes celebrating and revealing truths about life in a small mountain town.
Whereas the previous production emphasized the trials and tribulations of Big Sky’s long winters, this spectacular and heartfelt sequel will focus on the joys and challenges of the short but glorious summer season.
Following a similar production pattern as “On the Face of It,” BSCT members convened regularly throughout the past six months to discuss potential topics, both funny and poignant. Once the nuggets were mined, the writers got to work creating scripts with heart and humor, substance and sentiment, gravity and giggles. Ideas were crafted, dialogue was refined, and revisions were made until a script full of familiar characters and recognizable moments emerged. Auditions were held in late February and rehearsals were soon under way with actors contributing their own ideas and concepts to help shape the direction of the project. With only a few weeks left until the final production, the cast and crew are busy learning lines and building sets, adding the final touches on what is sure to be another memorable night of theater and community celebration.
Though not every BSCT event is an original creation, the spirit of community theater thrives on involvement and ideas, onstage and off. The program is in its 13th year of bringing both familiar and unique productions to the Big Sky stage and all are welcomed and encouraged to join. Interested parties may contact me via email, ashleyhegseth@gmail.com, to inquire about future opportunities and events.
