Education focus for new theatre group

THE NEXT STAGE: Evolution Theatre Company founder and managing artistic director Dinna Myers plans to develop more than a theatre company. Picture by Paul Rickard

Acting, improvisation, playwriting, lighting and sound skills are part of the newly-formed Evolution Theatre Company’s educational programme.

Based at the Chinese Association Hall in Disraeli Street, the Evolution Theatre Company (ETC) offers an open invitation to its launch on May 24. The event provides an opportunity to meet the company’s trustees and hear about the company’s plans.

“We want to be what’s next for performing artists in our community,” says managing artistic director Dinna Myers.

“It is our hope to help artists grow and thrive and to help build a strong theatre arts community here in Gisborne.”

ETC joins Gisborne’s theatre arts community of Unity Theatre, Musical Theatre Gisborne, and Centre Stage.

Along with classes in playwriting under Dorothy Fletcher, acting for youth with Michelle Hall, improvisation with Julie McPhail, stage lighting under Tim McAneney and stage audio with Scott McSloy, ETC has already planned two productions for 2018. These are Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, and Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. In March, ETC will stage AR Gurney’s play Sylvia.

Community events such as a 48-hour play festival in September, and Shakesperience, an open invitation to people to read the works of the 17th century genius, are also planned.

Myers has a BA in theatre arts, was a professional producer, director, actor, instructor, and lighting designer for more than 30 years and was co-founder of Silicon Valley Shakespeare.

Non-profit performing arts academy Evolution Theatre Company will hold its open door launch on May 24, 7pm.

ETC will hold its first stage technology class on May 27th.

For more information, visit www.evolutiontheatre.org.nz