Revamping the community theatre

Rising Sun Gallery and Art Studios is revamping its community theatre with the help from a local group of parents whose children are involved in the performing arts.

Owner Patricia Sammons said the gallery has produced a couple of plays since opening almost three years ago.

“We’ve put on two plays and have put on an improv dinner,” Sammons said. “I think it is very important to have arts in the community, whether it’s performing arts, painting, drawing or photographs. It’s important to have an outlet for residents who are interested in the arts in the community. The arts open the doors for individuals and help nurture the world to make it a better place.”

Sammons, who was the manager of an art gallery in Montana, said she loves the arts and what it offers people.

“It appeals to everyone,” Sammons said. “The arts provide visual and emotional stimulation that evoke emotions from people. Everyone can find something they really like when it comes to the arts.”

Jennifer Christie, a mother of three daughters who are active in the arts, said the parents decided to approach Sammons because she has already applied for a 5013C, tax-exempt status for nonprofit organizations.

“It would have taken a lot for the parents in the group to apply for a 5013C,” Christie said. “It would have taken a long time for us to go through the process that we would have had to start from scratch and since Patricia is about to submit the application we all agreed it would be better to combine our efforts. We all have the same goal in the end.”

Christie said although Churchill County High School and Western Nevada College put on plays, there should be a community theatre that is running when school is not in session.

“We needed another outlet for our kids, and this one came to us at the right time,” Christie said “There are so many talented kids and adults in this community who need programs like this one to show case their talent.”

Sammons said the theater is accepting residents of all ages who want to participate in the plays.

“The castings will be open to everyone, no matter their age,” Sammons said. “We don’t want to exclude anyone. If individuals don’t want to be on stage but still want to help, we have plenty for them to do; we’ll need help with costumes, stage set up and even fundraisers.”

Christie said the parents’ group recently held auditions for the play they will have in November.

“We decided on the musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” Christie said. “We had a great turn out with 54 individuals who auditioned. All of them got chosen for the play, but we still have parts open that need to be filled so we’ll be holding more auditions in August.”

Christie said the musical in November is an intense one to perform.

“The play will run about an hour and a half to two hours and a lot will happen in that short amount of time,” Christie said. “The cast members that we have are fantastic, and they’re all really talented individuals. They will be singing and dancing a lot on top of acting so there is a lot these guys will be asked to do.”

Christie and Sammons said they both are excited for the play to take shape and are hoping to put on several more plays soon.

Sammons said for information about the play, auditions or art classes held at the gallery, call 775-423-0571.