Happy May!

Winter is over, flowers are blooming, and the last two months of the season are here.  How is this possible?  The board is in full swing to wrap up the season: shows are being reviewed, scores are being processed, and the ceremony is being planned.  We encourage the reviewers to help us out by getting their reviews in a timely fashion.  I appreciate the reviewers for stepping up and getting all the remaining shows reviewed.  The board and I really appreciate your commitment and dedication to getting the shows reviewed. Thank you!  

With that said, there is one thing I promote and need your help with: we need you to get nominated for stage management (both musicals and plays), Community Theater of the Year, the David P. McMenemie Unsung Hero Award, and the Wm. Morgan Perry Lifetime Achievement Award.  I get really discouraged when we don’t get many nominations for these awards.  The one question I get all the time is “Why didn’t I get nominated for the stage manager category?”  It makes me sad when I tell them that the director and producer did not nominate them.  PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do your part and nominate them!  Please go to NJACT.org for the qualifications for these special awards under Member Support and then NJACT Documents.  

This month, I want to highlight Cumberland Players located in Vineland, NJ. This quaint theater is described as the little theater in the heart of Southern NJ. There are many things to do in Vineland!  For people of age, I like to go to the Bellview Winery.  I love going to local wineries and supporting small businesses. If that is not your thing but you want to visit a family-friendly place, I recommend the Delsea Drive-In Theater.  This is the only drive-in theater in NJ.  Besides seeing a great production by the Cumberland Players, this drive-in is a great experience for your family. I had never been to one before, so I went.  The atmosphere alone amazed me.  My experience was amazing.  I never thought I would be seeing a movie from my car.  I know children (especially my inner child) get to experience something unique that can’t be found anywhere else in NJ. If you are looking for a fun-filled day, I recommend doing one of the 30 places in Vineland.  It is a great day out. 

We will have announcements about nominations, the ceremony itself, and a lot of fun items coming up, so make sure you are following us on social media to be in the loop. I hope to see you at one or all of these functions.  The main place I want to see you is at a show in NJ.

Thank you all for making our organization thrive and succeed.  It is all of the volunteers that make our organization successful.  You are the backbone of NJACT.

With much love and appreciation,