Cast Call For Our, "Grand Opening Celebration"

Our "Grand Opening Celebration Show," will be held on September 8th and 9th, at 8:00PM.

If you are interested in performing, please come to an NPTGlee! rehearsal, (Mondays at 7:00) on or before July 16th.

The show will be in the style of our cabaret nights, with two 45-60 minute sets.

In order to show our musical versatility, current plans are for the first set to feature, "pop" style music and the second, "Broadway."

Rehearsals will be Monday and at least one other night, to be determined.

Don't miss your chance to be in the FIRST show at the New Players Theatre Guild Center For The Performing Arts!

NPTG Ribbon Cutting and Open House

We will be holding a, "Ribbon Cutting Ceremony," followed by an afternoon of informal tours of the building on Saturday, August 4, 2012, at 15 Rollstone Street.

If you can't make it for the ribbon cutting, our doors will be open to everyone until 5:00PM. Come and see our progress!

Light refreshments will be served and we'll have people to show you around and answer any questions you might have about the building, our goals and our plans for future improvements at the building.

We will also be holding several small raffles, (to be drawn at the end of the day) and tickets will be available for our, "Grand Opening Celebration. (More on that to come..)

We hope to see you there!

We Have Our Occupancy Permit!

On June 12, 2012, we finally received our occupancy permit for 15 Rollstone Street and the building is officially designated by the City of Fitchburg as a THEATER!

We've been saying that this day would come for some time, so We can hardly believe it ourselves, but this means we can finally, legally, allow the public into the building for fund-raising events, shows and more.


Although it is nothing short of a miracle that we got to this point, with the limited funds we had available, by literally thousands of hours of work, by those dedicated to the effort, we've made it. Thank you. You know who you are.

Although there is much more we would like to do and the progress has long and slow, we have transformed what was a declining, mistreated building into something that CAN begin to make us the money we need to survive, going forward.

LET GO FOR IT!!

Announcing NPTGlee!

NPTGlee! is NOT a new sub-group of NPTG, but more a music and theater workshop that we hope will make the Guild more active and inclusive.

One of the problems with community theater groups is that their activity can be quite sporadic. People come together to do a show and those that are cast work together for six to eight weeks and then disband, often for months or even longer.

The Glee group will meet once a week on Monday nights, year-round, with the exception of possible breaks for holidays or summer vacations, as agreed by the group as whole.

The musical focus of the group will change with the needs of NPTG and the members themselves.

The first project will be to revive the Les Miserables music that we used for the Hanover Theater Fundraiser, with the addition of more music and voices. We would like to use that material as entertainment for our (hopefully) soon to come, "Opening Night," of the Rollstone Street building.
 
Participation:

Participation is open to EVERYONE who likes to sing. All are welcome to attend one or two "Glee Nights," before officially signing on as a member. At that point, we will request you pay NPTG membership dues, (if you are not already a member) for insurance reasons. This is minimal. ($10/individual adult, $5/under 16, $20/family)

Directors:

The General Director will be Nancy L. King. Nancy has directed many projects for NPTG and has had many years experience directing her church choir groups. We also hope to foster, "guest directors," from within the group. If you would like to try musically directing one piece or more, choreographing or stage directing, we'll allow you a chance to give it a try and give you any support you need.

Accompanists:

Jay Rainey has agreed to assist to the extent that his schedule permits. In addition, we may use some recordings we make ourselves, orchestral accompaniments available on CD and perhaps just some, "plunking out," of parts by people capable of doing that. (If you are a pianist or know of one that would like to help out, (for the fun of it) please let us know.)

Tuition and Fees:

We hope to make this FREE to everyone. It's possible we may ask for donations to defray the costs of music and other materials, but this will be on an individual basis and not affect your involvement with the group.

Attendance:

Attendance rolls will NOT be checked on the Monday nights, although you'll have a lot more fun if you come consistently and keep up with the group. We also understand that you might want to do a show with another organization and might take some time off from Glee! That's OK! We'll welcome you back when you're ready.

Performances:

Participation in the group does not require that you agree to appear in a performance, although all will be asked. When a performance date comes, "in sight," you will be asked if you can participate. Once committed to a performance, your attendance on the Monday nights and any additional rehearsal times required for that performance, will be expected, as with any show.

Fun:

Many of us know the joy and escape we get from our sometimes very stressful lives by just singing (and yes laughing) with friends at rehearsal. We're pretty sure that will happen! We'll also have some time to socialize and exchange ideas. Nothing is set in stone with this project; we'll see where it goes!

First Meeting/Rehearsal:

Monday, April 16, 2012

We hope you can join us.

Dues AND DONTATIONS Coming In!

A big "Thank You" to all that have so quickly sent in your dues for 2010!

Special thanks to the Plant and Bisson families for sending in their dues with a generous donation!

Yet another donation today from Terry Lynch. Thank You!

Thank You Kevin and Nancy McGuinness! (All the way from Forida!)

A Letter From the Board

Dear Friends and Members of NPTG,

We thought it was time for you all to be updated on the building and our situation, moving forward.

First of all, now that the Cabaret is over, we are getting back to work at the building. Unfortunately, (or fortunately) many of the big quick fixes are done and there aren’t as many obvious projects, but we can always use help.

After the cabaret, there was clean-up from the rehearsals that were held there and an organization of all of our "tech" stuff that was returning from the Elks. Bill has stored all of the lighting and sound gear away in the closet off the "Memorial Room," and it fits quite nicely.

Jon is continuing work in his "Jon-John," and that is coming along, slowly but surely.

The upstairs bathroom is in nearly finished condition, thanks to Monica and Jane.

Nancy has put in many hours stripping the wainscoting in the activity room and much of that has been primed.

Thanks so much to all of "the workers," that have done so much, so far!

But, sooner, rather than later, our progress is going to come down to money.

As you may know, we received a "Facade Grant," from the city of Fitchburg. That means that we have a design firm working on planning and improving any part of our building that can be seen from the street. They will pay 75% of the costs, but we need to come up with the other 25%. It is a GREAT opportunity, but if we can’t allot much to the project, the scale of the improvement will be proportionate. We can apply for the grant again in the future, but there are no guarantees that we will be selected again.

The Cabaret, thanks to the cast, directors and the able business sense of the Storrs family, did well once again. But, the reality is that the phenomenal money that we raised with that, only paid the oil bill for the building this winter.

We also recently paid the invoice for the building and liability insurance and that came to another large sum.

It appears we will soon receive our equity line, which will pay for our major code improvements, but that of course, will result in another monthly bill.

None of this comes as any surprise, but we MUST survive to that point where the building can help us MAKE money!

Yes. Your money will always be accepted and we know it is not a good time for many of us to be giving it away, but you may be able to help in other ways as well.

Give us your ideas. Do you have any fresh ideas fund raisers, money making, raffles, etc? We are always looking for new ideas.

Give a service. We could use help with electrical stuff, plumbing, drywall, etc. If you have some particular ability, could you give some time?

Goods. This is a tough one, as we don’t want to become a repository for "stuff," but we could use building supplies, (lots of drywall) paint, etc.

Think about your connections. Do you know someone who could help us in any way? Does your company need to spend any amount of local grant money? Do you have a "matching gifts" program at your company? Do you have a good relationship with a merchant that might donate supplies?

NPTG now has over 70 members. That’s great and we are the biggest group we’ve been in years.

But, truth be told, 15-20 people work tirelessly to keep NPTG afloat. All we are asking is that the rest of you think about how you can help.

If you would like to make a donation, simply send it to:

NPTG
PO Box 1653
Fitchburg, MA
01420

We will send you a receipt for you tax records.

If you would like to help in any of the ways mentioned earlier or have other ideas you could share with us, either respond to this e-mail, contact a board member or send your ideas or comments to: nptg@hotmail.com

The bridge we need to build to an operating theatre is a relatively small one. We will appeal to the general public as well, but it is only right that we start that appeal with our members and supporting friends.

If we can cross that bridge and just make it to the exciting day that we open the doors of that building to the public, we all believe we can become a self-supporting presence in our community.

Thanks again to all who have worked at the building, supported the Cabaret or already made some financial contribution. But, clearly we need more support. Please find YOUR way to help.

Sincerely,
The New Players Theatre Guild Board of Directors

New Players Theatre Guild is state and federally recognized 501(C) 3 organization. All donations are tax deductible.

The Cast of "Movie Magic!"

Thanks to the cast and crew of Cabaret 2009: "Movie Magic!" I think it's safe to say that a good time was had by all; audience and cast members. Special thanks to directors Doreen Croteau, Meredith Heimo and Bob Healy.

Cabaret 2009.. "MOVIE MAGIC!"

Enjoy the songs from the soundtracks of the big screen and comedy acts throught the ages.

Directed and Choreographed by Doreen Croteau and Meredith Heimo

Musically Directed by Bob Healy

Co-Chaired by Jeanie and Nick Storrs

Two Performances Only!

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Social Hour - 6:00-7:00

Dinner - 7:00

Show - 8:00

Admission - $35.oo

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Matinee Show Only -3:00 PM

Admission - $15.00

Seniors - $12.00

For reservations, contact Jeanie Storrs

978-537-5100 x28

Or jstorrs@c21realtyteam.com

All reservations must be received by February 9

Cash, checks, Mastercard and Visa accepted

NPTG To Participate in December "First Thursday"

New Players will be participating in Fitchburg's "First Thursday," on Thursday, December 4th. This we be good exposure of us and get us introduced a little better in the downtown community. All are welcome to come and sing. We will provide music books.

There are tree lightings throughout the downtown area and they hope we would sing at all of them. They are looking into getting a small bus for transportation to various sites.

The plan is that the event starts at the Senior Center at 5:45, where there will be a party for children. Then Santa and the mayor travel by trolley, with the high school band and us following to the different tree lightings.

They would like us to sing at each venue and also ‘en route between the bands songs. Here is the route:

5:45 – Senior Center (if we can make it there for that time)
6:00 – Monument square
6:20 – Renaissance Park
6:40 - Upper Common
7:00 - Riverfront Park
7:20 - MART Garage
7:40 - Moran Square

More information will follow, but mark you calendars!

A Great Meeting Marks a New Beginning For NPTG!

Some 27 people attended last night's meeting and elections at our new building! That's a better turn-out than we have had in a while. It was a diverse group and the discussion was spirited and constructive.

It's over used, but, "If you build it, (of buy it) they will come!" We can all feel that the, "pulse" is coming back to NPTG!

Thanks to all of you that attended!

The Current Board Continues In 2009

The membership unanimously approved extending the terms of the 2008 Board of Directors. All were willing to accept the nominations for 2009 terms. It is an exciting time to serve on the board!

Congratulations to all!

2010 will bring many changes, as many of the members will be reaching their term limits at that time.

On-Going Work Parties

Rather than changing this post weekly, here are the general guidelines of when we will be working at the building:

We are generally there on Monday and Thursday nights from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays for 10:30 a.m., until at least mid-afternoon.

In addition, if you would like to know for sure when people are working, e-mail Bill McGrath and he will put you on the "Workers List." He sends out an e-mail, whenever he knows any keyholder will be at the building for any length of time. Send him a note at wmcgth@net1plus.com


Much has already been done by a few, but all are welcome. Stop by to lend a hand if you get the chance.

Nancy's Still Painting!

It a good thing she enjoys it! There are a lot more projects in store for her!

The Kitchen is Looking Homier!

The painting is coming along!

Building Progress Pictures

Day 1: Ragweed Capitol of the World!

(Click to expand the pictures.)

There's a window under there!

Tim contemplates the hoop!

The hoop and chicken wire is gone!

Looking a little neater!

New Carriage Lights!

Building Work Party Chronicle

Tim Recko and Bill McGrath have taken it on to chronicle work in progress, future plans and needs at our building. Please read the comments here to find out "where we're at," what we've done and where we hope to be going with the building.

The comments are listed oldest to newest; top to bottom.

NPTG Has A New Home!

The papers were signed at 1:00 P.M. on Friday and New Players Theatre Guild officially has a new home. There are many improvements that will need to be done by contractors, before we can invite the public into it, but there is much that can be done with "sweat equity!" Look for invitations to come and see the building and lend a hand.

Jon Wright and America's Got Talent Re-Visited

By Bill McGrath

Congratulations to Jonathan for making it to the Vegas Callbacks with America's Got Talent!

It's a shame that America did not get to hear him sing, but it is pretty clear that America's Got Talent has become, (or maybe always was) more of a "reality drama" than a talent contest.

He did not cry on cue, wasn't born poor and didn't have a accident that left him near death. I also know he was not phony about his life experience. Perhaps that did not make him fodder for this kind of "reality TV." He is a just a great guy with an awesome talent!

It's clear that the producers did not want him heard, since if America heard him they would have wondered why the best talent was passed over. I think he is without a doubt a better and more polished singer and performer than those that were sent to the semi-finals.

If "America" got to hear him sing, I have no doubt they would have chosen him to go to the finals!

Well, that's my opinion.

If you would like to see for yourself, check out a few of Jon's performances on his new web page: jonathanwrighttenor.com. or search for him on Youtube.

An Invitation To View The Church Building

Just when we thought the building issue was dead, it crops up again!

ARC has now offered us the building on Rollstone St. for $100,000 instead of the $200,000 we were looking at 2 years ago. We have arranged a walk through to see its present condition after sitting vacant for 2 years.

We will meet at 15 Rollstone St. next Tuesday, July 22 at 5:00 PM. Anyone is welcome to come and see the building and give us your input as to its condition and potential use.

See you next Tuesday.
Bob

The Rollstone Church Building..Another Chance?

The organization that owns the Rollstone Church we considered buying last year has returned to us with a new offer. They are willing to accept $100,000 to be rid of the building.

We will be scheduling another walk through with the board to see how much the building has fallen into disrepair since we last saw it. At that price, we could afford to buy it, even before doing the many and costly improvements necessary hold performances there.

What do you think? If you have a moment, send us your comments. Drop us a note at nptg@hotmail.com. Thanks!