St. George Musical Theater preps for upcoming season; preseason tickets on sale, volunteers wanted

Inside of the St. George Opera House with “theater-in-the-round” seating taking shape, St. George, Utah, July 12, 2014 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News

ST. GEORGE – An open house was held at the St. George Opera House Saturday afternoon to give the public a glimpse of the new “theater-in-the-round” being set up by the St. George Musical Theater’s upcoming 2014-15 season. Attendees were also provided the chance to sign up for preseason tickets, as well as volunteer.

Return of “theater-in-the-round”

Dan Olsen (blue shirt, left) and Kerry K. Perry, (right), discussing St. George Musical Theater's upcoming season with open house attendees, St. George, Utah, July 12, 2014 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
Dan Olsen (blue shirt, left) and Kerry K. Perry, (right), discussing St. George Musical Theater’s upcoming season with open house attendees, St. George, Utah, July 12, 2014 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News

Walking into the Opera House, individuals were greeted with the sight of three risers with seating set up on three sides of the building’s common area. A fourth riser had yet to be set up, but the makings of the theater-in-the-round atmosphere SGMT is known for is clearly taking shape.

Due to the Opera House’s less-than-circular interior, a person attending the open house joked it should be called “theater-in-the-square.”

Additions to the sound and lighting system have also been made, said Dan Olsen, SGMT’s managing director. Some of the new equipment was taken from the Electric Theater, he said.

After being without a dedicated venue for its productions for around five years, SGMT was able to work out a deal with the City of St. George to lease the Opera House for two years. With the exception of the St. George Live tour, Olsen said, no other groups will be using the Opera House during that time.

I thought it would never come,” said Hal Birkeland of SGMT’s return. “It’s wonderful.”

Birkeland and his wife were SGMT season ticket holders during its original run, and he said he loved the community theater’s shows as much as the ones at Tuacahn. However, he also said he appreciates that the talent behind SGMT productions is more locally-based. “That make’s a difference,” he said.

Preseason tickets on sale and productions

Olsen took questions on the upcoming season and explained how the preseason tickets worked.

New lighting and sound equipment at the St. George Opera House, St. George, Utah, July 12, 2014 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
New lighting and sound equipment at the St. George Opera House, St. George, Utah, July 12, 2014 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News

Preseason tickets, which can be obtained through SGMT’s website, are $80 through Aug. 1. This includes the season’s five regular productions, but not special events or shows done along the way, Olsen said.

“We’re getting ours right now,” Birkland said.

SMGT’s 2014-15 season begins Sept. 4 with “The Sound of Music,” followed by “The Odd Couple,” “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” “Moonlight Magnolias,” and “Music Man.”

Season ticket holders will be able to chose what night they want to attend a production and where they would like to sit, Olsen said.

“People will want to get their tickets early. Seating is limited,” said Kerry K. Perry, director of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.”

An estimated 155 seats will be available per show, Olsen said.

General ticket sales begin Aug. 2. General information is available on the website.

Encore Guild: Volunteers needed

With the exception of the directors and sound technicians, everyone involved with SGMT is a volunteer, Olsen and Perry said.

Volunteers become members of the Encore Guild, which includes anyone who wants to volunteers in any capacity, be it an usher, set designer or builder, customer, and so on.

“Become a member of the Encore Guild,” Olsen said. “It’s a great way to support the St. George Musical Theater. It’s truly a community theater.”

People interested in volunteering can call 435-628-8755 for details, or email Olsen at [email protected].

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