NEPA Scene Staff

Act Out Theatre in Dunmore hosts benefit weekend of family-friendly shows Sept. 24-26

Act Out Theatre in Dunmore hosts benefit weekend of family-friendly shows Sept. 24-26
Decrease Font Size Increase Font Size Text Size Print This Page

From a press release:

Act Out Theatre Group will host a benefit weekend and silent auction from Friday, Sept. 24 through Sunday, Sept. 26. Funds raised will go directly to the daily operational costs of the Dunmore theater, as well as future programming.

“We’ve got a fun-filled weekend and truly have something for everyone,” said Dan Pittman, the theater’s owner and artistic director.

The weekend begins at 7 p.m. on Friday with “A Night on Broadgay,” an all-ages drag show hosted by Justice Twist Valentine and featuring an all-star lineup of drag performers and special appearance by several Act Out performers.

“Expect a fun-filled, interactive experience, over-the-top costumes, live singing, dancing, and celebrity impersonations,” Twist Valentine said. “We just want people to come out and have a good time.”

The weekend continues with an all-day open house on Saturday. Individuals can tour the Act Out Theatre (150 E. Grove St., Dunmore), speak with instructors and participants and, depending on time, watch a bit of a rehearsal from one of two productions in progress: “Seussical Jr.” and “13.”

Saturday and Sunday nights will feature a mixtape revue at 7 p.m. with members of the Act Out family, including adults, teens, and children bringing hits from the 1980s and ’90s to the stage. The revue will also feature a dance party (participation is encouraged, but not required) and a trivia contests with prizes. Audience members are welcome to break out their acid-washed jeans and flannels and take a trip back in time.

“There’s definitely a lot happening,” Pittman continued. “We are so grateful to the local businesses that donated items to our auction. We have more than 50 items up for bid, including dining gift certificates, tickets to event attractions, and specialty items.

“Most of the items are featured in our online auction, but we also have five that are only available in person at the theater.”

Tickets are on sale now at actouttheatre.com. Access to the auction is also available on the theater’s website.

“Like many businesses, we are still recovering from 2020’s shutdown and limited access due to COVID-19,” Pittman said.

“We hope that this particular benefit weekend will allow us to improve our financial stability as well as enhance our offerings to participants.”

At a time when arts programs are being cut from many places, people of all ages need creative space where they can go, Twist Valentine noted.

“Especially for the youth of an area. Having that safe space can literally be lifesaving during a time when they are still trying to figure out who they are.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tabetha Kathleen (@justice_twist_valentine)