Theater lover: We're coming back!

Town hall covered a range of good news

Greetings!

Thank you to those of you who were able to attend our July 14 town hall. It was a lot of fun to see each other's faces and to be able to share some good news.

Here's a recap of the presentation.

Federal funding helps fill the gap

Pentacle was awarded more than $200,000 under the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program. This large grant will allow us to reopen successfully. We also received a second round of the forgivable Payroll Protection Plan loan.

Funding for our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work

The Oregon Community Foundation has granted Pentacle more than $10,000 to invest in our work to become a more diverse, equitable and inclusive community. We're especially excited that Keizer Homegrown Theatre will be joining us in this effort. This work is also supported by grants from the Salem Theatre Network and the Marion Cultural Development Corporation. Work will begin soon, starting with board training and moving out to leaders and others in our theater community. Feel free to contact me if you want to be a part of this important initiative.

Operational support

The James F. and Marion L. Miller foundation gave a generous fast-track operating grant to support Pentacle when we were closed.

More good news

We held a successful work party to deal with the damage from the February ice storm. A nice team of volunteers did some heavy lifting. A shout out to FXG Construction for the loan of the dump trailer and their help replacing the curb stops in the parking lot.

Jo Dodge's workshop has two sessions underway. What fun it is to see some hustle and bustle around Pentacle Theatre. The joy is palpable.

There's one amazing unsung hero out at the theater. Long-term volunteer Alan Kuhnly has been grooming the grounds. It's worth a drive to enjoy the park-like landscape he has created. If you have a spare Maserati, please consider gifting it to Alan.

Bylaws ballot coming to our members

You may want to confirm your membership status so that you can vote on our bylaws changes and for board members later this fall. The proposed changes fall into three categories:

Correction of stylistic issues, including how we spell theater and eliminating use of the passive voice when it makes the bylaws harder to understand.
Clarification of the board’s ability to create membership categories and set fees
Movement to provide secure and confidential electronic voting as the default method of voting. Paper ballots will be provided to members who do not have an email address.

Phase to the stage

We shared our plans to return producing live theater beginning next week.

July 26-28: Children's Educational Theatre's The Trials of Robin Hood at Pentacle Theatre. CET is renting our theater for this first live performance in our space.
Sept. 10-12: A celebration of Pentacle’s return to the stage. A live variety show directed by Heather Toller and emceed by Tom Hewitt. The event will be free, however, tickets will be required.
Oct. 8-23: The Mousetrap directed by David Cristobal
Nov. 12-15: All Together Now! a Salem Theatre Network celebration of the return to live theater. Venue to be determined.
Dec. 3-18: It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

The board hopes to announce its 2022 season in September.

Our next town hall is being planned for Oct. 13.

What: Open auditions for The Mousetrap, by Agatha Christie. Directed by David Cristobal, with assistant director Emma Thurston.

When: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, July 31.

Where: Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave. NW. Off Highway 22 about 6 miles west of downtown Salem.

Casting: Roles for five men and three women. For a full list of roles, please visit our webpage.

Things to know: Auditorium doors open at 12:30 p.m. Open auditions for all roles begin promptly at 1 p.m. and may run as late as 6 p.m.

All volunteers at Pentacle Theatre must provide proof of COVID vaccination prior to entering the auditorium.
Actors will read from the script, copies of which are available on loan at the Pentacle Theatre for a $10 refundable deposit. Call or text Lisa Joyce, Executive Director, at 503-409-3971 to arrange for pickup.
Please arrive early to fill out an audition form. We encourage you to complete our fillable audition form online and print it in advance. If you complete it by hand, please write clearly, especially your contact information. Headshots and resumes are not required, but always appreciated.
Please provide a complete list of your conflicts through Oct. 23 on the audition form and bring your calendar to auditions.

Callbacks: 1-5 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 1, if needed.

Rehearsals: Generally, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays beginning Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, at Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave. NW, off Highway 22 about 6 miles west of downtown Salem.

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.