in general is attracting younger audience members, according to Budinger. “I think for people in previous generations going to the theater was a regular outing, I don’t think subsequent generations see it that way. It has become more expensive to buy tickets and so going has become more of a special event activity.” In addition to the low ticket prices, Budinger said that Masquers strives to have intriguing productions in every season to help entice younger and new audiences. “It started that we would do one edgy or risky show in a season and now those shows are becoming the norm rather than the classic community theater fair because we always want people to discover the theater,” he said. Masquers encourages area youth to find and explore their budding love for the theater through the Stage One program. This 3-week long all-inclusive summer camp kids ages 9-16 teaches participants every aspect of the theater from writing, acting and directing to lighting, set design and make-up. “They write and produce their own show. The program delves into pretty much every angle of the theater experience so they can see what each role is and what each person is responsible for—it is a very intensive three weeks,” described Budinger. Having first stepped into the Masquers Playhouse more than nine years ago, Budinger said it is his artistic home and he only hopes that everyone who enters is impacted even a little of how he first was. “It is a jewel box of a theater that is beautifully maintained with a lovely lobby, fabulously managed, and has talented and loyal members,” he described. “I have worked at theaters all over the Bay Area and have never had the same feeling of true community as I have here, which is why I have stuck around so long and will do so indefinitely.” For more information about Masquers Playhouse go to Masquers.org, call (510) 323- 4031 or visit theater 105 Park Place, Point Richmond.
Contra Costa Marketplace - Dec 2015
To see the actual publication please follow the link above