07-06-11-temple-season.jpgIn the heart of historic downtown Sanford sits the Temple Theater, just off Carthage Street. Built in 1925 and restored in the 1980s, the Temple Theater may look like a museum, but is an active live-production theater today. While Main Stage Productions only run from September through May, the summer is a special time for patrons.

Every year the Temple Theater runs a Youth Conservatory through the summer months. This is a special theater training camp for kids ages 8 to 18, with a cost of $300 per child. It is so popular that the theater runs two separate camps each summer. According to Jordan Childress, marketing director, both three week sessions filled up on registration day in April within 30 minutes of opening. This year it expanded the slots available from 38 to 45 to accommodate as many campers as it could.

After the three weeks of daily rehearsals and lessons, campers will do four performances of Alice in Wonderland, an original adaptation by the theater’s Producing Artistic Director, Peggy Taphorn. Music for this production was done by Michael Hoagland, based in New York. Hoagland is the same artist who wrote the music for the theater’s popular original production of A Christmas Carol, which is done each December.

The public is welcome to come see either session’s production of Alice in Wonderland. Performances for the first conservatory will be July 8-10, and for the second conservatory on August 5-7. Tickets for the conservatory performances are $12 for adults and $6 for kids. Performance times vary, so please see the temple website for specifi c dates and times. www.templeshows.com/html/summer.html

Calling all actors! On July 23, the theater will hold auditions for the 2011-2012 theater season. Performers are paid actors drawn from all over the triangle. Auditions will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The theater performs eight Main Stage productions and four Black Box productions each year.

On tap this season are some great plays, many of which are sure to be community favorites. Guys and Dolls will start the season on Sept. 15 and will run through Oct. 2.

Dial “M” for Murder will bring mystery to the stage Oct. 20-Nov. 6. The theater’s annual production of A Christmas Carol will end the 2011 shows, with a run from Dec. 1-Dec. 18.

The new year will come in with a bang, as Country Royalty comes to the stage Jan. 12-29, 2012. And, get ready for side-splitting comedy in February, as The Odd Couple runs Feb. 16- March 4, 2012.

The season will end with the wacky Little Shop of Horrors, April 26-May 13.

Temple Theatre offers the most flexible season ticket packages around. They are on sale every season from June through Sept. 10 - Oct. 3. Choose from the four or six ticket pass and then use them in any combination that you wish. The four-ticket Flex Pass is $72 and the six-ticket pass is $108. Call the box offi ce at 919-774-4155 to get all the details!

Teens wishing to try out for the Temple Teens group will audition at 4 p.m. on July 23. Temple Teens is a special group of teenage performers who prepare 30-45 minute shows around town at fundraisers and other events all year long.

The theater is calling for logo submissions for a new fall fundraiser. It is hosting the Brick City Beer Fest on Oct. 15, which will be an annual event.

Taphorn says, “The winning design will become the offi cial Brick City Beer Festival logo. Also, the winner will receive two T-shirts and two season tickets to Temple Theatre’s 2011-2012 season.”

Logo applicants must be residents of North Carolina and at least 18 years of age. Please call the theater for additional information at 919-774-4512.

Tickets for the Beer Fest go on sale July 10 for $25. Tickets will sell for $35 on Oct. 15. Due to the limited space at Depot Park, where the event will be held, advance purchase is strongly recommended. Designated driver tickets for those who will not sample beer will be $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

Since the theater is often rented out for other events, be sure to check the Temple website for other concerts and benefits.

Latest Articles

  • Gallery 208: Beyond Surface: Abstractions by Kellie Perkins
  • Kindah Temple No. 62 hosts annual Spring Ceremonial
  • FTCC Foundation invests in students’ futures
  • Unique Easter traditions from around the globe
  • Flawless Touch Detailing celebrates new location
  • CFRT: The Play That Goes Wrong...Again
Up & Coming Weekly Calendar
  

Advertise Your Event:

 

Login/Subscribe