Theatre on the Hill Behind the Scenes

July 23, 2015

Rohovec Theatre on the Hill is part of New Mexico State University-Alamogordo, New Mexico,  reigned over by Drama Professor Connie Breding. We have a very active group of thespians involved from the surrounding community as well as students at the University. One might think theatre is all glitz and glamour, but much goes on behind the scenes that is not.

The photos below depict some of the hard work that has gone into just getting ready for the Theatre on the Hill Guild's Fall Fundraiser production "This and That" consisting of six short plays written by local playwrights to be showcased August 28-30, 2015.

Robert Trowbridge building the elevators for the set of the play "One-Hundred and Two Stories" and Wendy Trowbridge helping Carolyn Dittmer rework outdoor  advertising signs in the background

Rod Barnes (the sandman) sanding off the old paint so we can reuse the signs

Carolyn changing a phone number on these signs

Carla Kerr and Carolyn at work. Carla has on plastic gloves and a paint apron ready to do some painting

Wendy is carpenter's helper here sorting some screws for hinges for Robert

Robert working diligently on these elevators-you must come see the play to realize how huge these are.

Carolyn giving the "sandman" a break

Robert looking for hinges of just the right size and type

This was really an enjoyable three hours of creativity behind the scenes and you will be surprised at the results when you come to see the plays. The advertising signs are up all over town. Come and be entertained the last weekend of August, 2015.

This is all I have to say for now.

Auditions for Fall Fundraiser at Theatre on the Hill

Sunday, June 21, 2015

A number of people attended auditions for six short plays by Alamogordo, New Mexico playwrights that will be showcased as a fundraiser for the Theatre on the Hill Guild on August 28-30, 2015. Attendees read through each play with parts assigned by Connie Breding, NMSU Drama Professor. The plays are: Social Insecurity, Mal's Practice and Search for Rosie's Balls all three by Robert Trowbridge, And Come Back a Star by Joylyn Mercouris, Seventeen Minutes by Carolyn Dittmer and One-Hundred and Two Stories by Carla C Crittenden (Kerr).

Everyone was pleasantly surprised at the level of the plays and came to a common conclusion that this Fall Fundraiser will be a grand success. The first auditions were held on Friday, June 19, 2015 at which several new people attended and added to the excitement of the play readings.

Be sure to mark your calendars to attend. The Guild needs your support and the actors need your enthusiasm as an audience. You will not be disappointed!

There will also be a Silent Auction during the production and, if you are reading this and have something you would like to donate for the auction, call Carla Kerr, guild president, at 921-6218 and she will be happy to pick up your donation.

Douglas A. Kerr, Photographer took random shots during the audition as people got into each character.

Monica Helm intently listening. No audition is complete without Monica!

Viviane Ackall, Guild member and supporter as well as mother of a couple of budding actors

Scott is an excellent musician and always ready to add to the production

Connie Breding addressing the group and Robert Trowbridge, playwright/actor

Eli Holmes, actor/singer

Victoria Kennedy and her brother, Jeremiah Crosby, well known thespians

Mia Rascon, most recently played Tolly in "Tolly and Pat" Spring Production 2015

Jeremiah and Gavin reading a play

Victoria reading a part

Deep concentration by actors

Aaron Palmer, also last cast in "Tolly and Pat" this Spring

Alan Gonzales, most recently in "Tolly and Pat" and "Chaos at the Concert"

Mia reading while Carla looks on

Carolyn Dittmer, actor/writer/journalist

A pensive Carla C Crittenden (Kerr), author, playwright/actor

You can tell by the photos that auditioning is quite informal and comfortable. Anyone thinking of trying out for a role should not be afraid of jumping in and giving it their best. This theatre group is helpful to everyone in their endeavors, friendly and positive, plus Connie Breding is one of the best drama teachers to learn under. She is understanding, positive and talented in her position and you will grow under her direction. Dedication and determination are the watchwords for a beginner. So, come on down the next time there is an audition call.

Thanks to Douglas A. Kerr, Photographer.

This is all I have to say for now.