There’s a new theatre group in Red Deer tailored for those who have always wanted to perform, but never had the chance.
Reader’s Theatre is looking for people to join its theatrical presentation group, where memorizing scripts is not necessary.
“The idea is to try and make it easy. We want to encourage people, who otherwise would never think of performing in a play, to come out and have some fun. That’s what it’s really about,” said Lionel Lustgarten, one of the organizers of Reader’s Theatre.
There are no costumes or makeup and no sets that need building.
“We put a line of chairs in front of the room. The people who are playing the different parts, sit in those chairs and read their part,” said Lustgarten.
“We may have someone in the back who’s doing a little bit of sound effects like walking upstairs or opening a creaking door, but it’s very simple.”
The group plans to put on shows around the city and although they’ll be small productions, Lustgarten said it won’t take a way from the quality.
“We use the power of words and suggestion to put in the mind of the audience that we do have a set. In their mind, they’ll see the tables, the lamps, the chairs and everything else,” said Lustgarten.
Lustgarten has been involved in theatre for many years and said rehearsals for regular theatrical performances can take months at a time.
He said Reader’s Theatre will only need three rehearsals to prepare for each show. So far, the group has only had three classes, but Lustgarten said it’s been a lot of fun.
“We can’t get through it without breaking up. It really is great, everybody enjoys it and there’s no pressure or worry,” said Lustgarten.
So far the group has 50 to 60 scripts to work with and are in the process of building its library.
The group has yet to perform in front of an audience, but Lustgarten said once there is enough people who are committed to the group he will start contacting potential venues.
The group meets every second Thursday at the Timberlands Branch of the Red Deer Public Library. The next meeting takes place on Dec. 1 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
There is no cost to participate.
For more information call Lustgarten at 587-679-6222.