Scene from Enemy of the People
Frequently Asked Questions
You're always invited to call with your questions, but just in case you're curious when we're not in, here are the answers to common questions about the Star City Playhouse, tickets, auditions, performances, advertising, plays and volunteering.
Star City Playhouse
Where did the idea for a no-grants theatre come from?
Marlow has been in Equity theater for 40 years. He really hated how much time theaters had to spend begging money and also having a board decide what plays a theater could do. The bottom line was getting in the way of artistic freedom.
Having owned an apartment building in New York City he thought a theater that was supported by a business would allow more freedom in choosing plays that would actually train actors. There's NO competition in Art but he hopes other groups will follow lead and not have to be asking for money constantly to survive. So many theaters have closed in the last decade because funding has dried up.
How can a theatre charge only $10 for a ticket?
The Star City Playhouse doesn't have a big budget but is able to survive because of the commercial property owned by the Fergusons who in turn donate the rents to the theater. This also keeps our ticket prices down. Occasionally we have special projects such as a program where people can buy a "seat" to donate to the theater. We don't ask for donations on a regular basis.
How do I get there?
The Star City Playhouse is between Chatham and Bowman Streets on Williamson Road beside the French Thistle. Use this Google map or give the theater a call the day before a show at (540) 366-0060.
What are the season dates?
Our season runs from September to May. We are closed in the summer. Each of our shows runs four or five weekends.
Tickets
May I order tickets to pick up on the night of the performance?
Reservations should be made and can be picked up night of performance. Since we are a 99 seat house please understand that we might be sold out.
Do you take credit cards or debit cards?
No, we like to keep things simple. We do have gift certificates.
I have a big party planned during your next performance. How can I make sure I can get enough seats for everyone?
Parties must be set up before a show opens in case of sell-outs. Call us to make arrangements. We don't have reserved seating.
Auditions
I can sing. When will you start doing musicals?
We don't do musicals. There are plenty of theaters that do.
How do I get ready for your audition?
Sides (marked scripts for various parts) from shows being cast will be passed out. You'll have time to look over the parts. Don't prepare anything. Marlow casts the season for the whole year at once, so even if we don't call back right away don't be discouraged. We might need you for a future show.
When do you hold auditions?
We normally hold auditions for two weeks after the Fourth of July. Sign up for our audition announcement mailing list. We'll let you know by email a few weeks ahead of time.
Do you require a resume and photo?
Bring a good headshot. It doesn't have to be taken by a professional photographer. It's only to help us remember you. Bring a resumé if you have one but if you're just starting out that's fine too. We love discovering new, natural talent.
Can I audition at other times?
We rarely audition other than our annual audition. Two weeks a year is more than enough time to plan to come. Please read the director's blog for expectations of the acting company. We are NOT looking for directors or costumers.
Performances
What if I show up late? May I still attend the rest of the performance?
We realize that sometimes things delay us but in order NOT to disrupt a performance we ask that you return at a later date or at least wait until intermission to go in. We always start on time!
Will I be booted out if my cell phone rings during the performance?
NO cell phones. PERIOD.
Do you serve drinks during intermission?
We serve free coffee and cookies and hope you'll donate a dollar or two for the coffee and cookies! Patrons are free to bring cookies to donate to the lobby hospitality. We also hope to have an art gallery in our lobby to show local artists.
Is there a mailing list I can get on for news about upcoming shows?
Yes, we have a mailing list to announce performances. You may sign up to receive our mailings (approximately 4 times a year) about new productions and season schedule updates. Or, you may sign up for our mailings at the theatre when you attend a performance. Look for the sign up list in the lobby before the performance and during intermission.
Advertising
What are the rates for ads in your program?
Each ad runs in all programs, for the full season. A full page ad is $600. Half- and quarter-page ads are $350 and $200, respectively.
If I donate furniture for sets, do I get a mention in the program?
We're a non-profit organization. Members will be listed in the program, as well as those who donate furniture, costumes, props, seating or anything else.
What other advertising opportunities do you have? Signs? Product placement?
Sorry, we have no other advertising placements.
Plays
How do I submit my script for consideration?
We don't have the staff to read any new work. Submissions are all returned, unopened.
If not musicals, what kinds of plays do you perform?
Take a look at the current performance schedule here. The list of plays performed at the Elizabeth Playhouse is also representative.
Volunteering
Do volunteers get free tickets?
All actors and other volunteers are entitled to two tickets to be used in the run of the show they are involved with.
