by Victoria Howell
The Stevensville Playhouse enjoys a beloved place in the community’s psyche, providing entertainment and education for all ages for decades. With a major renovation project currently in progress, the theater’s many loyal sponsors and patrons have stepped up to contribute to the cause, and according to Susan McCauley, office manager, it’s pretty certain that they won’t have any trouble taking it to completion.
Plans are to replace the ceiling structure. That will include professionally mounting the stage lights for the safety of actors and patrons; additional ceiling lights for better visibility; rerouting of power and signal cables, adding a personal lift to safely access stage lighting and rigging, and replacing the patron seating. Total cost of the project is estimated at just over $150,000.
McCauley and her husband Jim are deeply involved in the operation and maintenance of the playhouse, a non-profit that’s run by a board of trustees. Both McCauleys have served on the board – Susan was president for many years, and Jim is currently the secretary/treasurer – and have participated in most of the shows, both out front as actors and back stage as directors and stage hands. Jim is also the organization’s resident grant writer. They both know every inch of the old building, which was originally a movie theater before being converted to a performance theater in the 1980s.
The Stevensville Playhouse, in downtown Stevensville, has enjoyed tremendous support for many years from its sponsors and patrons, and that is still true today, as the non-profit looks towards completing its current renovation project. However, finding folks willing to try out for shows is a continuing challenge. Susan and Jim McCauley, pictured, invite you to give acting a try in this fun and supportive setting. Photo by Victoria Howell.
Since leaving the board after 11 years, Susan was hired as the office manager – the only paid employee (part-time) – and the “number 1 volunteer… I know where everything is,” she said.
In spite of the tremendous support the playhouse receives from the community, the McCauleys do have a major concern. And that is getting people to try out for parts. Last season they had to cancel at least one show because they couldn’t find enough cast members.
Susan said that finding younger children and older adults hasn’t been a problem, but finding people in the 16-50 age range is a real challenge.
“We’ve had to draft parents of children who are auditioning,” said Susan. “Last year we had to cancel a show and switch to another show with fewer cast members. We have to pay up front for materials and royalties. Even though we can sometimes get back the royalties, we can’t get the money back for the materials.”
The McCauleys point to several factors contributing to the lack of people willing to audition.
“It’s a big time commitment,” said Jim.
One thing the audiences really want are the bigger musicals. “But we can’t get enough male cast members for those,” said Jim.
“People don’t have confidence in their own singing voices,” said Susan. She said that’s nothing that potential cast members should worry about, because everyone is very supportive, and confidence-building happens quickly. No one needs to have the perfect voice; that’s not a requirement. She said that the positive audience feedback also makes a big difference. “You get that good feedback and it makes you want to do more.”
“People just need to realize that when you’re in a show here, we build a little family group,” said Susan. “You build a close relationship quickly.”
She said those parents that they’ve had to recruit often end up being “incredibly good at it.”
Jim said that one man whose wife made him come and try out has now been in five shows.
Susan encourages people to just try it. “Even a small part,” said Susan. “No matter what part you’re in, theater teaches you life skills.”
The McCauleys, both in their 70s, moved to Stevensville in 2011, choosing to retire here in part because the community theater was here. Susan has a Masters degree in Theatre in the Classroom and both of the McCauleys’ children have been involved in theatre in various ways. Jim was asked to read for a part in “Gypsy” when his son was in that show in Helena, and he’s been hooked on theatre ever since.
“Raising money for this project – I’m not really worried,” said Susan. “It’s going to happen. But it’s getting people to be in the shows – that’s our biggest challenge.”
For more information, visit the website at: stevensvilleplayhouse.org or call 406-777-2722 and leave a message and Susan will call you back. For information on donating, scan the QR code.
