Good evening,
Should I thank the Little Theatre of Alexandria for the honor of auditioning on day two for “Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol” last week? Should I thank them for having staff ask my name, look up my card, find my picture, and give me an application to fill out, complete with a list of parts of interest and a calendar to indicate my personal conflicts for the upcoming months? Should I thank the Producer and the Director for the honor of delivering a short, cold reading for them for an obscure, unheard of part, “The Gravedigger” (rather than reading for exciting, spicy, well known, beloved classic characters, like Eb Scrooge, Marley’s Ghost, poor Bob Cratchett, or even jolly old Old Fezziwig)? Should I then thank them for “thanking me” (barely) for my brief, pathetic reading, offering up an attempt at a smile, dismissing me, and then, finally, advising me that call-backs would be Tuesday, and that folks could still be awarded parts even if not called back (unlikely), and that all auditioners (assumably including me?) would be advised if they got a part, either way, by “no later than Friday”? And, alas, should I thank the staff of the Little Theatre That Could for NOT being contacted by them, by any means or format, on or by Friday (or Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday . . . )?
NO, I don’t think ANY “thank yous” are warranted. Or deserved. By you, or the theatre under your auspices. (And yes, I must admit, I gave a most awful, dull, flat, unimaginative, boring reading for the befuddled Digger. But I would have welcomed the opportunity to read again, for another part perhaps, to demonstrate another side of me. . . But, again, no such opportunity was offered. Perhaps the other, “real” parts were already cast, even before auditions - or day two of auditions - were held?!)
As one who gave time and effort to audition, as a “patron of the arts,” as a resident of Alexandria, as a person who has performed previously in Children’s Theatre, University productions, and community theatre (in other, warmer communities), and as a Senior Citizen, I spit on your treatment of folks showing interest in participating in your productions. How poorly you treat us! How disrespectful, ungrateful, unfun, arrogant, pompous and self serving. Where is the feeling of “community” in your “community” theatre?
I will simply close this letter by expressing a feeling of shame for you and your theatre company. No matter the quality of your stage productions, you are most unwelcoming to outsiders and, indeed,...
Read moreLovely theater, actors, and plays. Small and intimate, you see players' faces, not a bad seat in the house. They play with so much heart you don't want to miss any show. Price is a steal! For the price of two lattes and a croissant you get to see live theater, get out of the house, bring your family and friends or make new ones. Perfect for date night! I've been to West End theaters in London where you get the biggest names in showbiz playing and while this Alx theater is small scale, it is big ❤ The 230 seats are comfy and there are 2 isles on the sides, arrive early and meet your neighbors, this is a friendly place. No need to print your tickets, the usher checks you in by name, what an elegant way to arrive at a show! Powderoom is spotless and pretty (no endless lines!) and they have free snacks during the breaks and a watercooler. Kennedy Center charges $100+ for most tickets, $7 for a pack of peanut m&m, $4 for bottled water, and $40 for parking ok? Snacks and water are free at Little Theater of Alexandria. parking here is on your own, early birds can find metered street spots. Please keep munchies and incessant phone tapping for break time and don't photograph actors while they are acting, ask to take a selfie with them after the show if you meet them, they will be happy to oblige. I saw many plays at Little Theater of Alexandria over the years, some favorites: A Few Good Men, Murder on the Orient Express...I feel happy every time I get to see their productions. Yes, they are all skill levels but this is the best little theater ever. Wish they did wine and champagne tasting and meet the cast sessions. We are so lucky to have them in Alx....
Read moreI was so excited to see a production of "Something Rotten" and I haven't been so pleased to enjoy a show AND (cherry on top) "meet" a lovely small theatre in ages! Great production with lovely talent & flair entirely required for their show! Was a member of the first full show house post COVID and truly feel honored. I live about 2 hours away and I plan on keeping the LTA calendar in my (budget conscious single lady) rotation. Amazing show & a really delightful venue. VERY lone and MINOR complaint was that I brought my mother who has some hearing issues but she and I agreed and the RAPID dialogue which could often be kinda muted was somewhat hard to hear. Although, being at an opening night I highly suspect that getting the feedback from a full house this would be an easy fix which probably already has happened. 10/10 Cannot recommended enough honestly and I can be kind of hard on these things. 😂🤪 Kudos LTA! ALSO a quick note COSTUMES we're amazing & after commenting on them to my Mom at intermission I met a woman who's been working of their's for over a decade & I was so happy! This really is community theater...
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