PLAY ON!

Unstaged readings by leading actors in Seattle of classic plays, with music of the period. These plays would be rehearsed, cast, and directed by Kurt Beattie, former artistic director at ACT and an experienced actor. The plays would be large-cast versions or classic plays, which local theaters can no longer afford to produce and which veteran and new actors are eager to present and learn. Another feature of the plays would be music of the period, both as an overture and improvised during the performance.

An example in Ben Jonson’s “Volpone,” accompanied by a lutenist. First performances would be at ACT (Bullitt Cabaret) or an off-off Broadway venue.

Finances: These plays, lacking scenery and costumes, would be quite economical to present, about $11,000 per play, paying Equity rates to the actors.

A Fundraiser would be held at Lalie Scandiuzzi’s home with invited guests and a preview of the program. The opening show would also be a fundraiser, with selected guests.

These fundraisers, plus some individual asks, would hope to raise the year’s budget of $50,000, which would cover the costs of three plays in the opening season.