Finger Lakes Photo/Plays at Smith Opera House

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What happens when you bring together a local photograph by a local photographer and local professional and community theatre artists? Brand new plays in a night and a day! In 2015, 2017, and 2018, dozens of local community members came together at the Smith Opera House to write, rehearse, and perform a series of original plays, all inspired by the same photograph…in a night and a day. The Smith Center for the Arts proudly announces the return of Finger Lakes Photo/Plays, February 4-5, 2023. New this year, The Smith will also host Pop-up Pages: Playwriting Workshop on Wednesday January 25, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 

The inspiration for Finger Lakes Photo/Plays comes from a local photographer who selects one photograph from their collection that features a local Finger Lakes site. Imagine 6, 7, 8…wildly different plays all inspired by the same photograph. The Smith is thrilled to announce that Gary Ventura will be the 2023 Photo/Plays photographer. More information on his work can be found at https://www.garyventuraphotography.com/

Participation in Finger Lakes Photo/Plays is open to all community members (18 and older), regardless of prior theatre experience. Would you like to make some new friends and some new art? Have you been itching to get involved in theatre but know how much time it takes so you've resisted? Are you a seasoned theatre veteran who has wanted to flex your artistic muscles in a new way? Are you brand new to all of this and looking for a low stakes way to get involved in performance? Are you staying put in the audience and just want to come out and support us? Then there is a role for YOU in Photo/Plays! Participants must register in advance (https://thesmith.org/event-calendar/finger-lakes-photo-plays/) and will rank their preferences for these roles: 

·    The Playwright—These folks will receive a copy of the photograph on Saturday evening, lock themselves in their garret with their quills and candles and craft a short play (ten minutes or less), tailored to the actors in their group and inspired by the photo.

·    The Director—On Sunday morning (early!), the Playwrights submit their scripts. Directors spend the early morning figuring out their directorial concept for the play (in other words, how do you take these words and bring them to life on stage?). Then, the Director goes into rehearsal with the Actors.

·    The Actors—How fast can you get into character? You'll get that script Sunday morning and be taking your curtain call Sunday night! (Don't worry, these are SHORT plays, you can do it!) No memorization necessary! We perform these as heavily staged readings with our scripts in our hands!

·    The Stage Managers—Are you super organized and patient? Would you like to be involved on the logistical end of things, helping directors track down simple props and costume pieces and helping with cues and scene changes?

Finger Lakes Photo/Plays involves a night and a day of theatrical commotion culminating in a public performance for the local community. On Saturday February 4, 2023, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., participants will gather in the Smith Opera House for The Reveal. We’ll draw teams at random, tour the rehearsal spaces, and get the first glimpse of the photo. We will return to The Smith on Sunday February 5, 9:00 a.m. to approximately 10:00 p.m. for rehearsals and the culminating public performance. The public is invited to this performance on Sunday February 5. Doors open at 7:00 and the performance begins at 7:30. Admission is free but donations to the Smith Center for the Arts will be accepted. 

New this year, The Smith offers Pop-Up Pages: Playwriting Workshop. This FREE workshop will be held on Wednesday January 25, 2023, from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. in the lobby of the Smith Opera House (82 Seneca St., Geneva, NY). You do not need to participate in Photo/Plays to join this workshop. Chris Woodworth (Finger Lakes Photo/Plays Creator and Producer) will lead participants through a series of low-stakes writing exercises. No playwriting or theatre experience necessary. Bring a notebook, pen, and your imagination. To register for the playwriting workshop: https://form.jotform.com/230044733825048. 

            To participate in Finger Lakes Photo/Plays, visit https://thesmith.org/event-calendar/finger-lakes-photo-plays/and complete the online registration by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday February 1. There is no cost to participate in Finger Lakes Photo/Plays or Pop-Up Pages. Please note: Given the possibility of strong language and adult situations, participation is limited to those 18 and older. To view production photos from previous years of Finger Lakes Photo/Plays, visit: https://www.thisworldofyes.com/photoplays.  For more information, email Finger Lakes Photo/Plays Creator and Producer, Chris Woodworth at FLphotoplays@gmail.com.