Theater Outreach Group is a volunteer-run theater group with a mission to reach out into the community to deliver high-quality live theater wherever they can. David Berriér directed the theater program at The Kroc Center that was cut earlier this year due to funding issues. “The Kroc Center severely cut programming and we didn’t want to lose our momentum,” says Berriér.
Dramatic cuts for theater were also made at Chemeketa Community College, and middle and high schools are slimming down the act as well, according to Berriér.
The group is currently working on “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Berriér says, “We are very grassroots bottom-up with our philosophy. I kind of feel like I am a ringleader. It’s up to me to keep all the balls spinning. We also call our group ‘Salem’s next great theater.’”
Berriér says that while Pentacle Theatre is a great community resource, there are 190,000 people in the area and not enough venues for actors to perform for people who want to enjoy the theater.
“We only put on family-friendly shows. Nobody feels like, ‘Gosh, I wonder what this show is about.’ We will have strong roles for adults and children on stage,” says Berriér.
Whether acting, lighting, ushering or costume designing is for you, volunteer positions abound and helping hands are welcome for performances and standing ovations. “We need all kinds of people, anyone who has an interest in performing or being involved,” says Berriér.
Community Theater doesn’t mean poor acting or hokey performances. “It’s better when you stage a set right. That means strong, believable sets, appropriate, dynamic lighting and great sound,” says Berriér.
The nonprofit group runs off of ticket sales but two grant writers have stepped up to help with funding. “Last year, we were recognized by Marion County Reading For All because of our work with literacy,” says Berriér. “We like to do books. Last year we performed “The Giver”. We purchased 300 books and because so many schools already use that as required reading, students could read the book and come to the play and discuss the difference between the two media,” says Berriér.
Next summer, the group plans on putting on the musical “State Fair.” “We are dedicated to providing quality live theater everywhere. We want people who have a desire or interest to be involved in theater but maybe have never done it before,” says Berriér. “It has to be fun, all about entertainment. Yes, we want it to be good, but there is so much potential to be learned by performing.”
Berriér believes the group will be successful. “When we were at the Kroc Center, everyone loved it,” says Berriér. “We brought in about 1,500 people per show.”
Moving the program isn’t without its challenges. “We need rehearsal space,” says Berriér. Volunteers are welcome and veteran actors or newbies to the stage are welcome and encouraged to try out. For more information, visit their website at www.theateroutreach.com.
