Tag Archives: Melissa Nicholson

Raise the Curtain: This month, Gamut will debut its new theater.

October 30, 2015 | by Lori M. Myers

It takes a village, so the saying goes.

But in the case of Gamut Theatre, it took a village and volunteers and craftsmen and cash, as Harrisburg’s classic theater this month debuts its new, permanent home in the historic, former First Church of God, moving out of long-time rental space in downtown Strawberry Square right across the street.

The new theater will open with one main stage, but eventually will be home to two performance venues and more classrooms as it continues to expand both in show offerings and education programs.

“In addition, there will be a small stage in the reception lobby for poetry, singer/songwriter events and other smaller presentations,” said Melissa Nicholson, executive director of Gamut Theatre Group. “We are proud to preserve much of the original architecture and be caretakers for the rich history that accompanies it. It is, in my opinion, the perfect place to perform classic stories.”

Gamut relied on more than 150 volunteers (many with day jobs) who donated some 5,700 hours designing and constructing. The core company of actors worked nights and weekends since August to assure the theater will open on Nov. 5 for a private preview party for donors. On Nov. 6, there will be a ribbon cutting with Mayor Eric Papenfuse and an open house for the community. The next evening is the grand opening of the theater’s production of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.”

To date, the theater has raised more than $1.3 million of the $2.5 million needed to complete the project—all of this without the aid of a professional fundraiser.

“We currently have an ask into the PA Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to cover the Phase I gap in fundraising and to fund Phase II,” Nicholson said. “Phase II will develop the second stage/education center part of the building.”

“All the world’s a stage,” wrote Shakespeare. And, for Gamut, a new stage means a whole new world ahead.

The new Gamut Theatre is located at 15 N. 4^th St., Harrisburg. For more information, including how to make donations and buy tickets, call 717-238-4111 or visit www.gamuttheatre.org.

Building a Future: Master set builder, thespian, leaves Gamut for the Big Apple.

September 30, 2015 | by Barbara Trainin Blank

Illustration by Ryan Spahr

An “alarm” went out from Gamut Theatre Group last month. Ian Potter, long-time Core Company member, was leaving Harrisburg earlier than expected.

Having performed its final show in its old Strawberry Square location, Gamut was in the final phase of preparing its new home in the former First Church of God across N. 4^th street. Potter, the company’s set designer and an expert builder, was vital to those renovations.

As one example, he drew the plans for the new thrust stage and helped build it.

Now, he’s applying those skills in another city in another context. As of Sept. 8, Potter became a workforce training instructor at Rebuilding Together NYC, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit focusing on urban revitalization projects and disaster recovery for low-income and struggling residents of the Big Apple.

“I’m responsible for formulating a curriculum I will then teach to a student body composed of low-income participants,” he said.

The program has two goals—to recover salvageable materials from federally bought homes on Staten Island ravaged by “Superstorm” Sandy and to offer the students certification to get well-paying jobs in the construction field.

Potter is “very excited” about this career move, being able to use his teaching and construction experience to “better communities and lives.”

Theater friends and fans of Potter’s are both surprised and not. For all his thespian talents—people still talk about his energetic title performance in Gamut’s production of “Hamlet” a few years back—he never felt “it would be theater or nothing for me,” he said. “I can see myself being happy in a lot of different walks of life.”

But no one, including Potter himself, expects the 28-year-old to leave theater completely.

It was a passion he discovered relatively late.

“The interest actually started in my senior year of high school, at Bishop McDevitt,” said the Harrisburg native. “I had a wonderful lit teacher, Sister Jude, who was also assistant director of the theater program.”

At the time, Potter was “more into” sports and art classes, but when the nun said she “needed help” with a production of “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” he agreed to audition.

“She knew what she was doing,” he laughed. “It was a lot of fun.”

As a freshman at Shippensburg University, Potter aimed to be a history education major, but his acting bug was sparked further by one of his professors, Paris Peet, a member of Actors’ Equity who has performed with Gamut.

After Potter appeared in a production of “The Pavilion” directed by Peet, the professor pulled him aside and said, “You have a knack for this. Come see me.”

During their meeting, Peet conveyed the message: “If this is something you want to do, you need to go somewhere else for college.” Shippensburg offered only a theater minor and a club.

Potter indeed transferred, choosing West Chester University because of its “great theater program.”

Leaps and Bounds
Even before entering college, Potter had embarked on what was to become a long, glorious relationship with Gamut Theatre Group. During the summer of 2006, he interned with the company, which cast him in a very small role in “King Lear.”

He returned in 2010 during a spring semester, when Gamut was gearing up for a production of “Richard III” starring David Newhouse. Potter got cast in multiple small roles and commuted back and forth to do them.

“I really loved it,” he recalled.

Then came an unexpected non-acting break. Jeremy Garrett, Gamut’s technical director, was leaving after that season, and he was hired.

“I grew leaps and bounds professionally in ways I never thought I would,” Potter said. “What Gamut does, the scope, is so immense—that a small core company of actors does so much—including design and building.”

He also credits Clark and Melissa Nicholson, Gamut’s artistic and executive director, respectively, for trusting company members “to be competent and talented enough without being checked on. You have to be self-sufficient.”

And stretch yourself. In his first season, Potter “shied away” from teaching because he lacked experience. During his last season, he was teaching two different classes as a lead teacher and assistant-teaching two others.

“I can’t imagine what kind of person I’d be if I hadn’t met the people I did through theater and through Gamut,” he said.

Rite of Passage
While acting has brought Potter great satisfaction, even more may have derived from his set design and building for Gamut’s shows—including “Hamlet.” (See www.potterproductions.org for a gallery of some of these designs and Potter’s personal artwork.) “I’m a very visual person,” he said.

Looking back at his tenure with Gamut, Potter considers three productions as “sticking out.” “Hamlet,” not surprisingly, is his favorite.

“The role is so immense and so challenging, it’s like a rite of passage for actors,” he said. “And there’s just the fact that we did the play largely uncut—which is kind of unheard of.”

Clark Nicholson, who directed, “is really good at energizing the language and pacing the plays,” Potter added.

Potter found the production of “An Ideal Husband,” re-written from the Oscar Wilde original for four actors—who play 15 or more characters while ripping off Velcro for role changes—“pretty insane but really funny and fast-paced.”

His third-favorite show, “The Dresser,” did not call on Potter’s acting talents but on his designer role. “I’m really proud of that set,” Potter said.

Upon departing, Potter emphasized that Harrisburg and New York are “only an Amtrak ride” apart. He said he will “definitely do some tech stuff” for Gamut and would audition, as well, if a role came along that he and Clark think suits him.

Still, it’s not quite the same as an omnipresent Ian Potter.

While the old adage states that “no one is indispensable,” Clark Nicholson noted that Potter comes pretty darn close.

“Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, but Ian has many strengths,” he said. “He’s a fine teacher, a good actor, a mentor to young people and a designer and builder. These skills don’t always go together.”

Potter’s replacement, Andrew Nyberg, has been embraced in the characteristic Gamut way. But, said Nicholson, “Ian will be missed.”

More Admin Stuff . . . and a Dash of Art: Open Stage and Gamut Theatre name new associate artistic directors.

September 30, 2015 | by Alexis Campbell

It’s safe to say that both Open Stage of Harrisburg and Gamut Theatre Group are at pivotal moments in their respective histories.

Open Stage is embarking on its 30^th season, and Gamut is in the process of moving into a new theatrical home. So, it seems fitting that both companies would expand their leadership, as well, and each has done this by promoting a long-time company member to associate artistic director.

Stuart Landon

Stuart Landon, the new associate artistic director at Open Stage, was promoted from marketing director, and Thomas Weaver, now associate artistic director at Gamut Theatre Group, was formerly the company’s director of development.

“There are some similarities to what I was doing before—I’m still director of development,” explained Weaver. “But, with us moving into a new facility and everyone on staff being stretched thin, I’m able to take the reins on some things.”

Thomas Weaver

Landon finds himself in a similar position.

“I’m still responsible for the same things as well, but it’s interesting,” he said. “I’m part of conversations that I haven’t been a part of before.”

Landon and Weaver will also direct mainstage productions this year, a first for both. Landon will direct “Peter, Hook & the Darlings,” which opens Nov. 27, and Weaver will direct Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull” next March.

“[Being the associate artistic director] is more admin stuff, plus a dash of art,” Landon said.

Both Open Stage and Gamut employ small staffs (six and eight, respectively), which include the companies’ founders. Landon and Weaver agree that the opportunity to learn from the founders has been a valuable one.

“I consider Don and Anne [Alsedek] mentors, and I can see why things have been the way they’ve been, why certain decisions have been made,” Landon explained. “In this new role, I look at it in a whole different way. I feel an increased sense of responsibility to the company as a whole.”

Weaver added that it’s important not to lose sight of the founders’ vision when dealing with the every day details of the job.

“I definitely consider Clark and Melissa [Nicholson] mentors as well, and I look at all they’ve done over the last 20 years, and it’s clear that the reason that everything has worked as well as it has is because they’ve really stuck to the mission of the organization,” he said. “I definitely feel a new kind of ownership of the mission now.”

Open Stage of Harrisburg is located at 223 Walnut St., Harrisburg, on the street level of the Walnut Street Parking Garage. Call 717-232-6736 or visit openstagehbg.com.

Gamut Theatre recently moved to 15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg from its longtime home in Strawberry Square. Call 717-238-4111 or visit gamuttheatre.org.

OCTOBER THEATRE EVENTS
at Harrisburg’s Professional Downtown Theatres

Oct. 1 to 31
GAMUT ON THE MOVE
Volunteer opportunities available
Tuesdays to Sundays at Gamut Theatre
Assist Gamut Theatre in the move to their new space. All skill levels needed.
For more information, contact [email protected].

Oct. 2 to 18
THE AMISH PROJECT
a drama by Jessica Dickey
Thursdays to Sundays
at Open Stage of Harrisburg with these special events:

Friday, Oct. 2: Opening Night with reception
Sunday, Oct. 11, 2pm: Matinee includes post-show discussion
Thursday, Oct. 15: Meet Donald Kraybill, author of “Amish Grace,” following 8pm performance
Thursday, Oct. 22: Thrifty Thursday with a limited number of $15 tickets sponsored by PSEA

Sunday Oct. 11
The NARNIA Project auditions
Join the OSHKids Performance Company at Open Stage Studio/School. Ages 8-13. Course runs until May 2016. Email [email protected] for appointment.

A Seat in the Bard Room: Melissa Nicholson to helm international Shakespeare organization.

April 30, 2015 | by Lori M. Myers

Melissa Nicholson

You would think that Melissa Nicholson, executive director of Gamut Theatre Group, would be reciting Hamlet, Macbeth and Othello from the time she emerged from the womb; that the language of the Bard would roll off her tongue like honey and she’d be calling Elizabethan England her second home right from the start.

Think again.

“I had a terrible experience in high school with Shakespeare,” Nicholson recalls. “We read ‘Julius Caesar’ in ninth grade, and I hated it. I said ‘What is this?'”

But what a difference a few years and another Shakespeare play make. Nicholson attended Susquehanna University as a theater major, and the department performed a production of “Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Suddenly, it all made perfect sense.

“The director was great,” she says. “That production opened the doors for me.”

Nicholson went on to perform at The Lost Colony, an outdoors theater in North Carolina, before founding Gamut Theatre with husband, Clark. At the beginning, the couple was producing children’s shows as the Popcorn Hat Players, but, soon, a city official suggested that Harrisburg could use a dose or two of Shakespeare.

The duo complied, performing the Bard’s plays (including “Julius Caesar”) in any space they could find, including a former Midtown bank building that is now home to Historic Harrisburg Association.

Shakespeare is now a permanent part of the theatrical family in Gamut’s Strawberry Square space and will continue to be when the group moves to its new location across the way on N. 4^th Street.

But Nicholson’s reputation and love of Shakespeare has now gone beyond our city limits to the international stage. In January, she was appointed vice president of the Shakespeare Theatre Association, an organization established to provide a forum for the artistic, managerial and educational leadership for theaters primarily involved with the production of the works of William Shakespeare. The association discusses issues and methods of work, shares resources and information, and acts as an advocate for Shakespearean productions and training.

Nicholson will serve as vice president for two years and then two years as president beginning January 2017, allowing for not only continuity on the board, but also ensuring long-term institutional memory for the organization as she’ll be invited to executive committee meetings thereafter, according to Patrick Flick, executive director of the Shakespeare Theatre Association.

Flick views Nicholson as the perfect combination of keen businessperson and artist.

“Melissa is quick with a smile, a laugh and a kind word,” he says. “She is a consummate artist manager. This is a model that many regional theaters across the country use to run their theaters and Gamut/Harrisburg Shakespeare is a perfect example of this. Her politic and good-humored manner combined with years of experience running a theater make her the perfect person to be the vice president and consequently next president of Shakespeare Theatre Association.”

Despite the honor, the very busy Nicholson had some doubts if she could take on this added responsibility.

“Last year, people approached me about being vice president,” Nicholson says. “At first, I told them that I can’t do that; I’m in the middle of a capital campaign. But I realized that it’s good for Gamut and for Harrisburg to put us on the Shakespeare map.”

The association, formed in 1991, has had its meetings in different locales across the United States where various member theaters and individuals meet to discuss their needs and challenges and to offer help when necessary. This past January, the association met in San Francisco. Next year, it will get together at Shakespeare at Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind.; the following year in Baltimore.

Nicholson’s love of everything Shakespeare has grown and flourished since that initial dreaded encounter with Julius Caesar. She now pays it forward to children and teenagers through Gamut’s theater school and the Gamut Theatre Summer Academy, where new generations are performing the Bard’s plays. Nicholson says they are studying a language they’re not used to, but a language they begin to understand.

“It helps them express things not available in the modern vernacular,” Nicholson says. “But I don’t teach ninth graders ‘Julius Caesar.'”

To learn more about Gamut Theatre and contribute to its capital campaign, visit www.gamuttheatre.org.

A Play of Their Own: All-female cast treads the boards in “Women Playing Hamlet.”

February 27, 2015 | by Barbara Trainin Blank

Back in Shakespeare’s time, men and boys played every part, even female roles, as women were not allowed to act on stage.

Turnabout is fair play in “Women Playing Hamlet,” which premieres this month at Harrisburg’s Gamut Classic Theatre. Written by playwright William Missouri Downs, the play tells the story of an actress who auditions for Ophelia in “Hamlet,” only to end up being cast in the title role.

Gamut Theatre Group was selected to participate in a “rolling world premiere” of the play, a debut that includes just three American theaters. The actresses in the local production of Downs’ play, billed as “a comedy about the tragedy of modern life,” find it exciting to participate in a world premiere.

“There is something very freeing about working on material that hasn’t been loaded with preconceived notions of who-plays-what-and-how,” said actress Tara Herweg-Mann.

Honored

The rolling premiere is sponsored by the National New Play Network (NNPN), an alliance of theaters devoted to the development, production and continued life of new works.

Gamut’s participation was serendipitous, said Executive Director Melissa Nicholson.

The theater is a member of the Shakespeare Theatre Association (STA), which provides a forum for theaters primarily involved with the production of the works of Shakespeare.

Patrick Flick, executive director of STA and the literary manager of NNPN, had seen works by Downs in the past. When he heard the playwright had a new work with a Shakespearean theme, he sent out the word to STA members.

“I saw that communication, read the description of the play, and thought it would be perfect for Gamut to produce,” Nicholson said. “We have a talent for playing multiple roles and our women are very strong. Also, our women are sometimes underutilized in our main stage productions due to the amount of female characters available to play in Shakespeare.”

Nicholson responded to Flick’s e-mail that very day.

To produce a rolling premiere, theaters must be NNPN members and demonstrate a dedication to new works. All of the Popcorn Hat Players’ shows are new works written specifically for the company, and Young Acting Company shows recently have been full-length new works by resident playwright Sean Adams.

“In addition,” Nicholson added, “we have produced some new works over the years with a classical theme.”

Theaters that do the rolling premieres have to agree to produce the play within a 12-month period and work collaboratively with the other theaters involved and with NNPN, explained Nan Barnett, NNPN executive director.

“They receive a $21,000 award—divided among the three theaters—to cover production expenses,” she said.

The rolling premieres aim to give “life” to new plays in a way a one-time premiere often cannot—and bring cachet and prestige to the playwrights.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for playwrights to see their works done in and by three different artistic teams, facilities, actors and audiences,” Barnett said.

After filling out an application and being interviewed by the playwright, Gamut received word in July 2014 that it had been chosen.

“We are very honored,” Nicholson said

Image provided by the Gamut Theatre Group

Idea of Self

The four actresses in “Women Playing Hamlet” will play 20 roles of both genders.

Kathryn Miller plays a variety of parts—including a young actress, a Catholic priest, a male bicycle messenger, a 14-year-old female computer geek, a toothless barfly, a home-shopping network model and a young soap opera starlet.

“Being one of the first to discover the characters and perform them on stage is refreshing and unique,” said Miller.

Amy Burke portrays an unsympathetic humanities professor, the ghost of Hamlet’s father and an acting coach, while Herweg-Mann is the protagonist, Jessica.

Despite Jessica’s training and experience, the idea of playing Hamlet, this “role of roles” in the theatrical canon, is “a bit overwhelming, to say the least,” said Herweg-Mann.

Trying to find herself, the protagonist seeks help from a host of characters, and each interaction brings her closer to finding the answer to the question, “How do you define yourself?” said Downs, the playwright.

He said that he’s captivated by the idea of “self,” a search that brought him to “Hamlet” and the creation of “Women Playing Hamlet.”

“I think more truth can be found in comedy than in tragedy, for the human condition is not a tragedy but a wonderfully absurd free-for-all,” Downs said.

In addition, Hamlet is different from most protagonists in literature.

“Unlike in melodramatic movies, plays and novels, in which the protagonist knows who he is, what he wants, and what he must do to win, he first sets out to define himself to himself,” Downs added. “I’m not sure he succeeds.”

Downs has authored more than 30 plays and teleplays with a variety of themes and styles, but this is only the second time he’s used Shakespeare as inspiration.

Gamut’s actresses are delighted that Downs took the leap to rethink “Hamlet” for an all-female cast and that its premier is right here in Harrisburg.

“I had never experienced before what it is like to be one of the first actresses to play a role,” said Burke.

“Women Playing Hamlet” runs March 13 to 29 at Gamut Classic Theatre, 3^rd Floor of Strawberry Square, Harrisburg. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $27. Tickets for seniors and students are $17. For tickets, call 238-4111 or e-mail [email protected].

There will be an opening night post-show discussion with the playwright, director and NNPN’s executive director. On March 14, Gamut will host an Opening Weekend Gala. Guests will have the opportunity to meet and chat with the actors, playwright and director. Gala tickets are $40 a person and $75 a couple, including admission to the performance and wine and hors d’oeuvres at the gala.

September News Digest

September 28, 2013 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg Strong Gets Thumbs Up

A near-unanimous City Council last month affirmed most elements of the Harrisburg Strong financial recovery plan for the city, followed days later by the approval by a Commonwealth Court judge.

The council vote allowed major elements of the plan to move forward, including the sale of the incinerator, the long-term lease of the city’s parking assets, an increase in the earned income tax rate and changes to union contracts. In sum, the council:

Approved the sale of the debt-ridden incinerator to the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority.
Voted to raise parking meter rates and lease the city’s parking assets to the state Economic Development Financing Authority (PEDFA), which, in turn, will subcontract the operation to Standard Parking Corp.
Extended a hike in the earned income tax rate to 2 percent through 2016.
Approved the installation of 88 new parking meters in Midtown, mostly on N. 3^rd Street from Verbeke to Reily streets.
Agreed to changes in union contracts for police and non-uniformed city employees.

Following the council vote, Commonwealth Court Judge Bonnie Brigance Leadbetter held a hearing on the plan and gave it her blessing. About 18 months ago, she had approved the preliminary plan and needed to OK the many changes to it.

The complex Harrisburg Strong plan promises to relieve the city of its debilitating debt load. Highlights of the plan include:

Sale of the incinerator for net proceeds of $126 million to $132 million.
Long-term lease of the city’s parking facilities, including about 10,000 garage, surface lot and metered spaces, for around $260 million.
Elimination of most of the city’s long-term debt and a promise of a balanced budget through 2016.
The receipt of ongoing revenue from the leased parking assets.
The creation of three not-for-profit entities that would pay for infrastructure improvements, economic development initiatives and retired city worker healthcare.
Settlement of most litigation and claims against the city, with several creditors accepting less than what they were seeking.

Before voting, City Council members amended the legislation so that their votes would take effect only if the Harrisburg Strong plan is implemented by all parties per the agreement.

More Cops on the Beat; New Captain Named

The Harrisburg Police Department has moved an additional 17 officers to street patrol, Mayor Linda Thompson said last month.

The boost helps address the high volume of calls that has taxed the existing patrol force, frequently requiring officers to work overtime.

The 17 officers, along with two administrative positions, will be drawn from specialty units that focus on areas like street crime and housing. The move demonstrates that having sufficient cops on patrol is the department’s top priority, said acting Police Chief Thomas Carter.

Separately, force veteran Deric Moody was promoted last month to captain, heading up the department’s criminal investigations division. In that post, Moody replaced Carter, who took over as chief after the sudden retirement of former Chief Pierre Ritter.

Permanent Home for Gamut

Harrisburg theater-goers soon will have a new venue to experience some of the area’s finest children’s and classical theater, as Gamut Theatre Group announced plans last month to relocate to an historic downtown church at 15 N. 4th St.

Gamut finalized its $435,000 purchase of the First Church of God, constructed in 1854. It now will renovate the 12,000-square-foot church to accommodate its two troupes: the Popcorn Hat Players Children’s Theatre and Harrisburg Shakespeare Company.

The renovation will proceed in two phases, said Gamut’s Executive Director Melissa Nicholson. Phase one, estimated to cost $700,000, will include construction of a main stage and a complete upgrade of the building’s physical infrastructure, she said. Phase two, priced at about $400,000, will include a second theater for children’s productions, as well as classrooms and other supporting spaces, said Nicholson.

Gamut has operated from rented space on the third floor of Strawberry Square for 20 years. Recently, it has actively sought to purchase a permanent home, almost moving to Lemoyne last year before that deal fell through.

Gamut will continue to produce plays at its current location before its planned move in fall 2014. It has kicked off a fundraising campaign to raise the $1.6 million needed to complete the project.

New Restaurant Building Approved

Downtown Harrisburg soon should add another new restaurant to its mix after a building project received zoning approval last month.

The Zoning Hearing Board unanimously gave the thumbs up to a proposed building for a small empty lot at the corner of State and N. 2^nd streets. The building would be a single full story with a mezzanine level, enough to accommodate about 60 diners at a time.

Developer WCI Partners LP needed a variance and several special exceptions in order to start work on the proposed Italian-style restaurant at 200 State St., said WCI President Dave Butcher.

Butcher did not estimate when the project might start, as the company still needs to receive City Council approval of its land development plan and finalize an agreement with the proposed restaurant operator.

Craft Beer Country

A dozen breweries joined together last month to form the Hershey Harrisburg Craft Beer Country.

The new coalition will work with Dauphin County and the Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau to promote the area’s craft brewers and attract beer enthusiasts to our region.

Participating breweries range widely from large and well established to newly formed to emerging. One new brewery, Alter Ego Brewing Co., plans to open its first location in the city of Harrisburg in the middle part of next year, according Alter Ego founder Theo Armstrong.

August Property Sales

Berryhill St., 1245: B. Arnold to Herlason LLC, $35,000

Boas St., 255½: J. Dewey to A. Cornelius, $116,000

Briggs St., 1509: B. Santana to E. Nugroho & J. Juniana, $160,000

Cumberland St., 268: Secretary of Veterans Affairs to W. & G. Landon, $84,000

Derry St., 1801: LandVest Harrisburg LLC to Dream Plaza LLC, $1.856,000

Emerald St., 232: K. Nyhart to T. Janz, $60,000

Green St., 712: R. Fink to G. Beeman, $75,000

Green St., 1608: J. Williamson to PA Deals LLC, $45,280

Hudson St., 1148: PA Deals LLC to J. Gaidos, $109,900

Meadowlark Pl., 3012: Dept. of Housing & Urban Development et al to E. Virella & J. Rojas, $36,500

N. 2^nd St., 2333: S. Habtemichael to C. Cullis, $124,000

N. 4^th St., 3303: M. & H. Elbaum & J. Johnson, $90,000

N. 5^th St., 1526: J. Vargas to R. Barzyk Jr., $79,900

N. 5^th St., 1738: J. Murphy to CNC Realty LLC, $125,000

N. 5^th St., 2226: Fannie Mae to M. Christa, $34,000

N. 7^th St., 2209: PSG Real Estate LLC to Sam Hill Properties, $220,000

N. 7^th St., 2210 & 660 Woodbine St.: P. Goldberg to Sam Hill Properties, $180,000

N. 15^th St., 165: B. Niles to D. Deligny, $59,800

N. Front St., 2837, Unit 103: Helen Smith Trust to F. Clark, $75,000

Penn St., 2309: LJC Properties LLC to Herlason LLC, $37,500

Radnor St., 410: Harrisburg Rentals LLC & Norman’s Realty Services Inc. to H. Lee, $75,000

Revere St., 1613: J. Rodriguez to N. Rodriguez, $50,000

Rumson Dr., 369: Dept. of Housing & Urban Development to PA Deals LLC, $37,000

Rumson Dr., 2578: D. & Y. Hayes to F. Ibohim & L. Gom, $75,000

S. 13^th St., 1431: New Jerusalem Christian Church & City Limits Realty to G. Adams, $37,900

Swatara St., 2316 & 2320: J. & M. Polatar to C. Phipps, $95,000

Core Values: Meet the actors who make Gamut run.

April 15, 2013 | by Lori M. Myers

You’ve seen them many times if you’re a frequent visitor to Gamut Theatre.

Emily C. Gray, Thomas Weaver, and David Ramón Zayas are part of the “Core Company” of actors who act, teach, build sets, keep props and costumes in working and wearing order. In other words, they do what needs to be done to keep the operation running smoothly at this prized theater on the third floor of Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg.

And what a theatrical education they receive: one minute, they are reciting Shakespeare; the next, vacuuming the stage to get ready for a Popcorn Hat children’s show; and another piling into a car to perform one of many touring shows at a local school. Then there are production meetings to attend, rehearsals to conduct, emails to answer: It’s intense, it’s tiring, it’s wonderful.

“Gamut is special to me because I’ve grown up there,” Gray says. “I’ve learned so much about myself and about acting during my time with Clark and Melissa Nicholson—Gamut Theatre Group’s artistic and executive director respectively. I’ve gained confidence in myself and feel that, if I can keep up with the pace here, I can do almost anything.”

And keeping up with the pace is key.

A typical day for Gray—the first Gamut theater school student to return and become a core company member—begins at 9 a.m. as the group begins preparations for a Popcorn Hat show. Gray assists Weaver in setting up the stage and, as the overseer of the costumes, she sprays them with “watered-down vodka” to keep them fresh, then places props where needed. She’s in charge of opening up the theater when it’s just about show time and greeting audience members—young and young at heart—as they file in.

In a recent Popcorn Hat performance, Gray played three physically demanding roles. After the show and staying in costume, she says good-bye to the audience, changes, has lunch. Then it’s clean the kitchen, make some props, pull costumes for the next show, run errands, do laundry, assistant teach theater school classes, send out mailers—the list goes on. Most days go into late afternoon; others continue into the evening.

Meanwhile, Weaver, as technical director of the theater, builds, paints and cleans— generally keeping the theater running efficiently.

“Translation: I take out the trash and change lights bulbs, too,” Weaver says.

Of course, Weaver also performs in the children’s shows, on main stage, and in Gamut’s Shakespeare in the Park at Reservoir Park, as does Zayas, who recently completed a one-man show on Gamut’s main stage.

“As far as work routine goes, there was a lot more ease given to me (during the run of the show) to allow me rest and preparation time, which I am exceedingly appreciative of,” he says.

The creation of a core company arose out of necessity, said Melissa Nicholson. When Gamut formed in 1993, the theater didn’t have enough money to pay actors; instead it paid on percentage. Now, these full-time Gamut actors make a living wage and live together for free at the Town House Apartments in Harrisburg.

“The advantages are that it fosters a sense of ensemble,” Nicholson explains. “It makes it easier and faster to put up shows because the actors are used to each other.”

Both Gray and Weaver are from central Pennsylvania, but Zayas hails from Detroit. The Nicholsons attend national auditions like those in Memphis or hire others through recommendations. Core actors must be multi-talented in all facets of stage work, be flexible, have specific backstage skills and have a sense of humor.

Over the years, about 34 actors have been employed by Gamut through its Core Company program; some have continued on in theater; others have pursued different interests and lives. One is currently doing a national tour of a children’s play, one went on to work with a Shakespeare company in the south, another went on to found a Shakespeare company in the north.

“I have very mixed emotions when someone leaves,” Nicholson says. “Proud. Sad. Melancholy. Excited for the next one.”

Weaver is not completely sure what will happen after his Gamut experience. He does, however, look forward to continuing his professional and personal relationships with everyone he’s lived and performed with.

“That is what is special to me about Gamut,” he muses, “and what I will take with me when I leave: the family.”

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