Happy Pride Month from Pentacle Theatre! |
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Ken Hermens and Lisa Joyce (me!) in Sordid Lives, 2013. Taylor Husk, Simon Watson and Clyde Berry, cast members of Mothers and Sons, 2019.
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You may not have noticed the statement of inclusivity and welcoming included in all of our audition announcements the past two years. It is heartfelt and genuine.
It reads, "Pentacle Theatre affirms, promotes and celebrates the participation of all, without regard to race, color, sex, disability, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion or socioeconomic status."
For Pentacle Theatre, Pride is more than a month. It is a year-round commitment.
President Biden's proclamation made a strong case for recognizing Pride Month:
"The uprising at the Stonewall Inn in June, 1969, sparked a liberation movement — a call to action that continues to inspire us to live up to our Nation’s promise of equality, liberty, and justice for all. Pride is a time to recall the trials the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) community has endured and to rejoice in the triumphs of trailblazing individuals who have bravely fought — and continue to fight — for full equality. Pride is both a jubilant communal celebration of visibility and a personal celebration of self-worth and dignity."
We have been fortunate to present plays and musicals on our stage that tell stories of pain and triumph of LGBTQ+ individuals. As I have discussed earlier, theater increases the audience's empathy for others, including people and groups they may not be familiar with. Theater is at its most powerful when it elevates the experiences of communities who are often victims of hate, exclusion and discrimination.
These stories have been a part of our seasons from our early days, reflecting our historical commitment to inclusivity (this list is not all-inclusive):
1965: A Taste of Honey
1973,1992 & 2018: Cabaret
1975: The Hot L Baltimore
1976 & 1999: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
1977: The Boys in the Band
1986 & 1998: Deathtrap
1995: Lips Together, Teeth Apart
2005: Gross Indecency
2007: Three Tall Women
2009: Stop Kiss
2011: Rent
2012: The Laramie Project
2013: Sordid Lives
2019: Yellow
2019: Mothers and Sons
2020: The Cake
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Become a member of our Sustaining Circle. Patrick Moser tells you why |
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The following is an excerpt from a recent letter to patrons and volunteers from Patrick Moser, Governing Board Vice President and Finance Committee Chair:
There is light at the end of this very odd tunnel.
For months (14 and counting) the Pentacle Theatre stage has been dark.
- No laughing
- No dramatic lines recited
- No rousing choruses
But you and your support have
- Made us smile
- Given us hope
- Allowed us to press on
It now looks like we might (and I stress might) be able to do some outside performances in the next few months. We are planning on bringing back a partial in-the-theater season starting in January 2022.
And … we still need your support – sustaining support from 50 of you. We do. Even though our staff is half of what it was at the beginning of the pandemic, I can attest that they are working hard for you. They are making sure Pentacle Theatre can launch performances once again. They are ensuring that the Pentacle Theatre facility is in excellent shape to support all the dramas and comedies and musicals you have missed.
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Tickets now on sale for our Zoom production |
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Don't miss this historic event!
Get your tickets now for this pay-what-you-can Zoom production adapted and directed by Emily Adela Loberg.
Performances will be livestreamed via Zoom at 7:30 p.m. June 11, 12, 18 and 19 and 2 p.m. June 13 and 20 with an audience talkback after each performance.
Patrons can pick what they pay for their tickets from $0 to $100. Those who order tickets will receive a Zoom invitation and link prior to the event.
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Will we see you on June 5? |
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It's time to clean up the grounds! Join us at a theater work party on Saturday. Bring your lawn rakes, clippers and your gloves.
Our previous announcement said we start at 9 a.m. We actually start at 10 a.m.
We will have plenty of water to share. I may even bring some snacks.
The details
When: June 5, 2021, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Pentacle Theatre grounds, 324 52nd Ave. NW, Salem, OR 97304
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Acting workshop adds afternoon session |
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The morning session of the Actin Workshop is nearly full, so we've added an afternoon session to provide more opportunities to participate.
The details
When: June 12 through August 28, Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Pentacle Theatre's auditorium, 324 52nd Ave. NW, Salem, OR 97304
Cost: $105
Requirements: All enrollees must provide proof of vaccination to participate and comply with other COVID protocols established by the theater. Registrants must be 18 years of age or older.
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"Pentacle Evening of Comedy" auditions |
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A Pentacle Evening of Comedy open auditions for a showcase of monologues and scenes. Directed by Heather Toller, assisted by the ‘What’s Next’ workgroup, and emceed by Tom Hewitt. This will be an in-person, outdoor event and will primarily consist of pieces that participants present during the auditions. (You do not need to be "off book" for the audition.)
When: The performance will be Aug. 14 (with a possible additional performance on Aug. 15).
In-person auditions on June 29 and June 30, from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. by appointment. We will also accept video auditions. Let us know if none of these options are available to you.
Where: Auditions will be at Pentacle Theatre's auditorium off Highway 22 in West Salem: 324 52nd Ave. NW, Salem, OR 97304.
Pentacle Theatre affirms, promotes and celebrates the participation of all, without regard to race, color, sex, disability, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion or socioeconomic status.
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Stay safe and well. Mask, maintain distance and get your vaccine as soon as you can. |
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PO Box 8271, Salem OR 97303
Office Phone: 503-485-4300
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