Act Out Theatre hosts play and vendor fair in Taylor to raise money for Blue Chip Farm on June 23-25
From a press release:
Act Out Theatre Group will host a vendor/craft fair and showcase the play “Because They Have No Words” in Taylor in an effort to raise money for Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge in Dallas.
The play, which details the true story of one man’s journey to post-Katrina Louisiana to rescue and recover animals, runs Friday, June 23 through Sunday, June 25. The vendor fair will also take place at Act Out Theatre (408 N. Main St., Taylor) on Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25.
“For me, the message of the show is that remaining complacent and allowing life to overtake you causes you more pain than if you get out there and make a difference in the world,” said director Dan Pittman.
Written by Tim Maddock and Lotti Louise Pharriss, the show follows Tim, who heads to Louisiana following his mother’s death with the hope of honoring her through his volunteerism. Through a series of vignettes, the audience experiences a myriad of emotions, including anger, fear, passion, love, compassion, and hate. The play also deals indirectly with the government response to Katrina, racism, and relationships.
Tim’s recounting of his time spent in New Orleans can parallel anyone’s life, not just those who’ve experienced a hurricane or other natural disaster, Pittman noted.
“When a pet comes into our homes, it becomes family,” he said. “Tim lost his family when his mother passed away. He feels alone and scared for the first time in his life, just as the animals that he rescues do.”
Pittman, who previously performed in the show, said the play’s theme made Blue Chip an obvious choice when the theatre decided to perform a fundraiser. The vendor and craft fair allows more of the community to get involved.
Jordan Mailler stars as Tim, and the cast and crew includes Ryan Carey, Kalen Churcher, Erica Gilmartin, Billy Joe Herbert, Paul Kantor, Sara Paulson, Alison Scott, and Blue Chip representative Jacob Calkins.
The vendor fair features a dozen sellers, including LuLaRoe, Scentsy, Pampered Chef, Thirty-One Gifts, and Perfectly Posh. Local artists and crafters will also be on hand, including Graceful Life Designs, U-Nik Arts, Mystic Frog Emporium, and PoPs PoPcorn Company.
The vendor and craft fair runs from noon-6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday. Portions of ticket and vendor sales will go directly to Blue Chip. According to the Blue Chip website, “Abuse, abandonment, illness, and aging bring many paws to [the refuge] doorstep, where we happily take them in and care for them until they find a forever home, or for as long as the need us to.”
Tickets for the event are $20, and reservations can be made in advance by calling 570-881-4206 or by e-mailing actouttheatre@yahoo.com. Tickets are also available at the door. Pre-payment is not required; all payments are made at the door.
