“Our 20-21 adventure has begun with the same goals as ever - growing and educating students through the lens of theater and engaging  students, local and visiting actors for the purpose of live performance,” said Artistic Director Griff Braley.  “As a company, we recognize the unique challenges of the coming season; we remain eager to create, learn and honor the art of theater, combing a flexible attitude and strong work ethic.  It’s what we do, and we’re grateful to be in a position to advance our mission in the community for another season.”

Braley began reconfiguring the Poe Theater in August, with the help of Ryan Kohnert, graduated Lincoln Academy (LA) student; and LA interns, to accommodate new production concepts for acting and film. 

Three programs are already underway this fall, beginning with a new “Maker Semester” for college students and high school seniors.  This program provides an intensive immersion in dramatic literature and theater, through critical analysis and performance.  Students are meeting at the Heartwood Studio 10 hours a week, for 12 weeks this fall, under the teaching and direction of Braley. 

Vocal lessons with Beth Preston, added last year, have moved from Heartwood’s Studio location as an online platform.  Lessons are being run in six-week sessions (visit heartwoodtheater.org for details).

Continuing the longstanding tradition of a fall youth collaboration with Lincoln Academy,  LA students have embarked on a series of one act plays, to continue building theater skills and entertaining audiences, during the first trimester.   Small groups of students are working on innovative productions to be live streamed from the Poe Theater.

A timely evening of frightful thrills opens the streamed series on Oct. 30 & 31 with an evening of adapted chilling tales:  “The Most Dangerous Game,” by Richard Connell, and two Edgar Allen Poe tales - “The Cask of Amontillado” and “Masque of the Red Death.”

Later in November, students will stream “The Tailor,” a heartwarming, poignant tale about a poor fellow trying to please his customers, his wife, his three daughters, his rich neighbors and the local match maker with his very limited resources.  Along with “The Tailor,” is a one act version of Edmund Rostand’s classic, “Cyrano de Bergerac,”  keeps most of the colorful characters of the original, with an emphasis on language, love, and perseverance.

A new project is in the works for the holidays, with a collection of music, readings, and past performance clips, woven together in the spirit of the season. 

January is the usual time for Heartwood’s middle school program, the Winter Drama Adventure, in which 30-35 students in grades 5-8 perform a full production for the public and for hundreds of peers, who visit LA’s Poe Theater during school hours.  The intent this year is to make the most of whatever casting/rehearsal/performance opportunities are available at that time and to provide a creative theater experience for students to embark on together.

Henrik Ibsen’s “Rosmersholm,” canceled in spring ’20, is on the spring ‘21 calendar.  A political and romantic thriller, “Rosmersholm’s” transcendent themes include the downside of idealism, loss of faith, and the corruption of the press.  Emotionally complicated relationships and hidden deeds energize and imbue the play with intrigue. This modern translation moves quickly and passionately through events which turn a whole town on its head, in a single day.  Performance dates and venue TBD.

Closing Heartwood’s 18th Season in July/August is Kate Hamill's 2017 adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice,” published by Jane Austen in 1813.   The familiar characters of the Bennet Family and Mr. Darcy, et al are fully intact, as they pursue love in an age of arranged marriages and complicated family dynamics and finances.  Hamill adds a great deal of slapstick comedy, as well as modern flourishes, while keeping the characters in their period and language. 

Summer Camp ’21 is also on the calendar, available to students grades 3 – 12, with newly designed 3-week options. Details available as the season unfolds.

A closing note from Heartwood’s Executive Director, “With immense gratitude for past and continuing support, we anticipate a rewarding season to be shared with our generous community.  Theater matters.  We know that now, more than ever.”