Outside of Caz
THE PALACE THEATER ORGANIZES A DIRECTOR’S WORKSHOP FOR NEW COMMUNITY THEATER
“To Be or Not To Be….that is not the question—the question is when?” Several community residents have seized the stage at The Palace Theater to organize Hamilton’s community theater, The Palace Players.
“We’re bringing it back!” said Reg Wilson. “We’re getting ready for our first show this September with a series of short stories featuring some originals written by local residents.”
“By presenting short stories, we hope local residents will be less intimidated and more inclined to act, because each story will have only a few lines to remember. The community theater is a wonderful compliment to our national acts that have been pleasing residents and visitors to Hamilton from all over Central New York.” said Patricia von Mechow, director at the Palace Theater.
If you are interested in becoming a thespian, a behind-the-scenes tech person helping with lights, sound, set, costumes, make-up and hair, or want to volunteer at any other level, call The Palace Theater. You may participate in performances as they fit your schedule and interests. The next organization meeting will follow the Director’s Workshop in June.
First on the agenda is a series of workshops for people interested in learning to direct a stage performance. Earlville resident and long time thespian and director, Rick Thormahlen, will lead the workshops with Colleen Law-Tefft, Sherburne and Donna Moren, Hamilton. The workshop series will help people gain a better understanding of the various tasks involved with the role of director, and provide instructional activities which will prepare them to fulfill those tasks, making them feel more confident in taking on the role of a director.
Workshop components include selecting a production, casting a production, developing scenery and lighting, rehearsal preparation and running an effective rehearsal, working with actors, staging/blocking, developing characters, working with others (ie: committees), leadership/decision-making, giving and accepting criticism, risk taking, and troubleshooting. Sessions will be four consecutive Mondays, April 27 - May 18, from 6-8pm at The Palace Theater. The workshop fee of $10 is payable to The Palace Theater. Call The Palace Theater to register.
“Having a community theater program in Hamilton will help strengthen our growing arts and culture atmosphere. With the rich resources of community members who are creatively inclined, a great high school drama program, and a university with an established reputation for the arts, the combination seems ripe for Hamilton. I am looking forward to learning more about the role of director and plan to stage a one-act play this fall.” said Samantha Martinez.
The Palace Theater has been a performing arts center for two years now, presenting live national acts. Performances have included National Comedy Theater, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (dinner theater), and most recently Halley’s Comet with John Amos, star of large screen and television (West Wing, Good Times, Coming To America) that have enthralled audiences! The third season is currently being scheduled so watch for more information on The Palace Theater’s website, www.palacetheater.org or call 315.824.1420. The Palace Theater is located at 19 Utica Street, Hamilton NY 13346.
Mr. Bike Goes to Washington
Hamilton Bike Shop Represents at National Bike Summit in Washington, DC
HAMILTON, NY - Scott Truett and Dan Sepello, co-owners of Hamilton’s Adventure Bikes & Boards, believe that the “near-perfect storm” compelling people to ride bikes has arrived. Truett recently traveled to Washington, DC to attend the National Bike Summit. There, he met with other bicycle advocates, visited the offices of NY State legislators, and pushed the hot topic of bicycling.
“We’ve got problems with childhood obesity, traffic congestion, parking issues, greenhouse gases, escalating fuel prices and an economy in a state of upheaval,” said Truett. “Bikes aren’t going to solve all our problems but they can sure make a difference.”
For Truett, it is all about advocacy.
“I’d like to see more people riding, not because it’s good for our business but because it’s good for people,” Truett said. He recalls the freedom and independence that came from his bicycle when he was a kid. “We had a different awareness of it then, but it’s still joyful to ride my bike home to my apartment at the end of the day, a good way to burn off some energy, and still make decent time.” He looks forward to May being celebrated as National Bike Month.
From March 10-13, nearly 600 like-minded individuals: bike shop owners, bike and accessory manufacturers, trail coordinators, and others involved in the bicycling industry gathered at the National Bike Summit sponsored by the American League of Bicyclists and Bikes Belong, among a host of other organizations, in the nation’s capital. The summit offered opportunities for advocates to learn what bicycling programs around the country are accomplishing, to support legislation to improve cycling as an alternative transportation and also to promote safety and funding for cycling programs. More than a dozen attendees were from New York State, mostly representing New York City. Delegates from around the world shared stories about bicycle programs, with a notable representative from Denmark talking about Copenhagen’s goal to increase their current bike commuting from 36% to 50%. In Copenhagen, the infrastructure is well established, bike riders have rights and safety protection, and even traffic lights are timed at 12 mph allowing bikes to breeze through. Various cities across the US have also received recognition for various levels of bike-supportiveness.
National programs like Safe Routes to School encourage more children to safely walk and bicycle to school. Burning calories, walking with other children, and avoiding carbon exhaust and saving fuel all make perfect sense to Truett. Enough sense to take his personal advocacy all the way to Capitol Hill.
“We went as a group to Capitol Hill by bike, visited the senate offices, and talked to the staff of legislators,” said Truett. “We were seeking the support of a majority in the House of Representatives to join the Bike Caucus.” The bike caucus aims to promote cycling by improving infrastructure and increasing awareness of cyclists. New York Senator Chuck Schumer joined the caucus during Truett’s visit.
Truett and Sepello plan to lend their energies to the cause, learn what other bike shops are doing to get more people riding and advocate for things like bike lanes and pedestrian paths in new developments and in the community.
“One of my goals is to get more involved locally, with the transportation department, and how decisions are made,” said Truett. “I’d like to see some of the same meetings I had in Washington happen at the state level. As a business person, I have a unique opportunity to be heard so I want to lobby on behalf of our communities.”
Truett wants to see a snowball effect as people see more cycles and decide to give it a try themselves. Dust off your two wheels, roll it in to Adventure Bikes & Boards to be serviced or repaired, and then tap into the freedom of bicycling! For more information or to contact Scott Truett visit www.adventurebikesandboards.com or call 315-824-BIKE (2453).
National Bike Summit -photo by Scott Truett
