Where is the new theatre?
The Theatre at Ix, home of Play On, is located at the Ix Center, Charlottesville's newest and most innovative commercial/residential/entertainment development. The complex is located on Second Street, SE, between Monticello Avenue and Elliot Avenue. That's only 4 blocks from Charlottesville's Downtown Mall.
The Ix Project will contain specialty stores, restaurants, cafes and offices, plus our theatre. A landscaped amphitheatre and a plaza with water features will be the aesthetic centerpiece of the project. Phase One is already completed and occupied. In 2008, development of upscale condos will begin as well.
There is extensive, free, well-lighted parking, just steps from our theatre's entrance.
When did the theatre open?
Opening night was September 29, 2006.
Who is running this theatre?
Play On is a not-for-profit coprporation, run by a Board of Directors and an Operations Board, appointed by the supporting members of the corporation. Anybody who pays annual dues can become a member of Play On ,and can become an active participant in the operations of the company and the Theatre at Ix.
To download a copy of our corporate by-laws, please click here:
How is it all being paid for?
The construction and equipping of a new theatre is very expensive. Because our theatre is a relatively small one (only 175 seats), and because we are located within a larger complex, our construction costs were lower than those for many other, similar projects. Still, building and equipping the new theatre cost over $500,000; every penny of which will ultimately come from our community. Generous individual, family and business support will capitalize the project; we are receiving no government money.
At this time, our remaining debt from construction stands at $92,000. Through the generous support of the community, we hope to retire this debt within three years.
Ticket sales cover only 60% of our operating budget. The rest must come from the rental of our theatre and rehearsal studio to others (when Play On isn't using them), from the sale of refreshments and souvenirs at shows, from fees paid for our educational and workshop programs and from ongoing member and business support, including membership dues.
Why another theatre?
Charlottesville is a community rich in the performing arts. Each of the companies and venues currently operating is a worthwhile and valuable asset, and the creation of Play On is not intended as competition for any of them. We believe that theatres are like grapes, and grow best in bunches. What we will offer is a traditional community theatre, specializing in familiar, popular, mainstream theatre. Our primary focus will be on musical theatre and comedy. There is no other group in Charlottesville offering the kind of popular, locally-produced entertainment we will be presenting at Play On.
How much will the tickets cost?
Our ticket prices range from $10 to $19, depending on the type of performance, and whether you attend an evening or matinee. We offer student, senior citizen and group discounts. We also have "pay-what-you-will performances on many Thursday evenings throughout our season. We offer season tickets at a substantial savings over the single-ticket prices. Plus, free tickets are always available for ushers, box office volunteers and other production staff. Tickets are available by calling our Box office at (434) 872-0184, or on our website at PlayOnTheatre.org.
Who will be in the shows?
Play On is a community theatre, in the truest sense of the term. Our actors, directors, designers, technicians, musicians... well, everybody... are all members of our community. You might see your friends or neighbors on stage... you might even find yourself there some day: the star of the show, or working behind the scenes.
All of our shows (except for occasional concert performances by guest artists) will be cast by open auditions; we will never engage in pre-casting at Play On. We welcome the participation of both seasoned theatre veterans and eager newcomers. We want Play On to be an ideal home for all who love live theatre.
We are entirely supported and run by volunteers. Except for small honoraria paid to our show Directors
and musical accompanists, and the use of a paid custodial staff, everyone involved at Play On is a volunteer. We have no paid employees.
Are your shows appropriate for the whole family?
The majority of our productions will be appropriate for the entire family. We are specializing in the beloved, popular, well-known musicals and comedies that made so many of us fall in love with the theatre in the first place.
When we do present a show with mature themes or adult language, we will certainly publicize that fact, and will make sure everyone ordering a ticket is aware of the nature of the show.
I'm not a performer, but can you use any volunteers for other things?
Absolutely! Right now, we need people to help with the planning of several upcoming special events. We also need people to solicit business support, sell program ads... even to stuff envelopes. Once we are in production, we'll need volunteers to find props, run the box office, sell refreshments at intermission, build and paint our scenery, sew costumes and much, much more. If you have the time and desire to help us make theatre, we will find a way to put you to work. As an all-volunteer, community organization, Play On gratefully welcomes your participation.
Can I see the theatre?
We'd be delighted to give you a FREE tour of our new facility. To arrange for one, just call the Box Office at (434) 872-0184.
MORE QUESTIONS WILL BE ADDED FROM TIME TO TIME - CHECK BACK
