Deborah Dorman
While currently still looking for the right script for our next full production, which will be a comedy to be performed Feb. 18-21, 2027, Theater at the Ranch has lined up a little something for early November, just to whet your appetite for laughter.
The group will be providing a free performance of a staged reading (no sets, props, or costumes) of a non-partisan, non-historical, but quite hysterical comedy, “POTUS, Or Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive,” written by Selina Fillinger. To repeat, this is non-partisan, not about any particular political party. It is more about women and power than politics of any kind. While no one should be in any way offended by any bias, we are warning that the language and topics are pretty explicit, so if that’s not your cup of tea, please wait for February’s play. But, since the group keeps the major productions to non-controversial comedies, this will be a great exercise for some actors to reach a little further while portraying young, old, black, white, gay, and straight women. As a reading, they will have scripts in front of them and will be seated or standing in one place, and the rehearsal schedule is greatly abbreviated. Someone will be reading the stage directions, like a narrator, so you can picture what is happening throughout. The exact date will be announced soon.
The brave souls who have taken on major roles in our productions have accomplished something as amazing as climbing a mountain or running a triathlon. From memorizing lines and blocking (where to move when), to analyzing their characters, to handling props and sometimes physical stunts, to working as a team and supporting the other cast members and taking feedback from the director (they like to make fun of the yellow legal pad of notes), it is a fantastic and incredible achievement. Many of our actors are new to the stage, and some have never attempted anything like this. You get to see the results of their months of hard work, and they get a sense of accomplishment that is fabulous and often life-changing. But equally special is the work that goes on behind the stage, to make them look good and the story come to life, in areas such as props, lighting, sound, set construction, art, raising sponsorship, and stage managing. Those accomplishments are deserving of huge kudos as well.
If you would like to join our email list to find out about auditions, backstage opportunities, or even just to keep track of productions, just send your name and email to deborahdorm@gmail.com.