CONTACT:  Wendy V. Long, Public Relations

                        (413) 685-1003

Gateway Acting Company to perform in student-written, directed plays

Huntington- The Gateway Acting Company of the Miniature Theatre of Chester will present an evening of one act plays at the Gateway Performing Arts Center on December 1st and 2nd, beginning at 7 p.m.  The Gateway Acting Company is a troupe of professional actors working with the Chester Theatre.

It is not unusual for professional actors to perform in a theater production.  What is unique about this event is that the plays were all written by sixth grade students from Gateway Regional Middle School. The students also cast the actors who will be performing in their pieces, and are working with professional directors in the production of their plays.

Modeled after the 52nd Street Project in New York City, the Gateway Acting Project is a partnership between Gateway Regional Middle School and Chester Theatre (formerly the miniature Theatre of Chester). Sixth grade students have been attending a playwriting course after school with Robin Stevens.  Recently, the students attended a writer’s retreat led by Chester Theatre Artistic Director Byam Stevens, where they worked with professional directors to put the finishing touches on their plays. Students then auditioned professional actors, selected their cast, and began rehearsals.

The end result will be unveiled at the December 1st and 2nd performances.  Each play is about ten minutes long. Tickets will be $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for students, and will be sold at the door. 

The project won statewide recognition last year, with Byam Stevens earning a Distinguished Arts Educator of Theater Award from the Massachusetts Alliance for Arts Education. In presenting the award, the MAAE called the project “a model example of arts collaboration with schools.”

Proceeds from these evenings will help fund this project in the spring with a new group of students. Public support is needed to help sustain the program for future students. Everyone is invited to attend.