News

In a thrilling twist, the Oswego Players have announced the winners of the 2023 Don McCann One-Act Playwriting Contest, and this year’s competition witnessed a remarkable tie for the coveted first-place spot. This exciting development comes on the heels of an unprecedented surge in submissions, highlighting the enthusiasm of local artists and the organization's commitment to fostering original playwriting. Claiming the top prize of $250.00 each are "Game of the Week" by Aaron Buitron and Phil Gross and "Old Money, New Habits" by Alexis Martin. These outstanding works captivated the judges with their unique narratives and creative brilliance. "Game of the Week" is a thought-provoking dramedy that delves into the intricacies of human relationships, while "Old Money, New Habits" is a farcical whodunnit set in a grand mansion, promising an engaging theatrical experience.

The Oswego Players are proud to announce that they have been awarded a Grant from CNY Arts Regrant Program. The CNY Arts Statewide Community Regrants program (SCR, formerly known as Decentralization or DEC) is a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). SCR is designed to create a vibrant arts community in the Central New York and Mohawk Valley regions by providing project-specific support towards arts, culture, history, and heritage programs to individual artists and nonprofit organizations. The grant was awarded to the Oswego Players to help bring “Night Must Fall” by Emlyn Williams to the stage on October 6, 7, 8 and 13,14,15. This psychological mystery is directed by Gina Mazzoli. Gina is thrilled to bring this show to the stage and delighted that CNY Arts is helping to make that happen. “I have such an amazingly talented cast. You will be sitting on the edge of your seats as the story unfolds. I am so thankful to CNY Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, the Governor’s office, and the New York State Legislature. "

The maiden voyage of the Titanic may not have been a success, however the Oswego Players production regarding the aftermath of that tragic voyage was a rousing success. “The Last Lifeboat” explored the life of J. Bruce Ismay, owner of the White Star Line, and the effect the sinking of the Titanic had on his life. The production received a number of accolades from adjudicators of the Theater Association of NYS (TANYS).

A new production of “Peter Pan” files into the Oswego Players. Peter Pan is Kieran and Tinker Belle is Charlotte. The production, part of the Oswego Players’ 85th anniversary season, will run weekends August 18-20 and August 25-27 at Fort Ontario Park, Oswego, NY. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm with Sunday matinee at 2 pm. Reservations may be made by calling (315) 343-5138 or going to https://oswegoplayers.org.

The Oswego Players will be holding auditions for their upcoming fall production "Night Must Fall" a dramatic thriller centered around murder, love and suspense. Director Gina Mazzoli is looking for a cast of 9 actors, 5 women and 4 men. These roles are large in nature with the exception of the additional inspector who has been added by the director for dramatic effect. Auditions will be held on Monday, August 7th and Wednesday, August 9th from 7pm until 9pm at the Francis Marion Brown Theatre located at Fort Ontario in Oswego NY. There will be no callbacks for this production and all auditioning actors will be asked to "Cold Read" from the script. No monologues are necessary. All characters will be required to do accents either upper class English or Cockney. Please be prepared to try using a accent and demonstrate this at auditions.

A veritable “titanic” build is underway on the stage of the Frances Marion Brown theatre in the form of the set being built for The Oswego Players’ upcoming production of Luke Yankee’s “The Last Lifeboat”. The play explores the life of J. Bruce Ismay, owner of The White Star Line. An upper-crust Englishman who always did what was expected of him, Ismay went to the best schools, married the right society girl (even though he was in love with someone else) and vowed to his staunch, unfeeling father on his deathbed that he would take over the family shipping business and build the biggest, most opulent ship the world had ever seen: the RMS Titanic.

THE LAST LIFEBOAT is the untold story of J. Bruce Ismay, the owner of the White Star shipping Line when The Titanic sank, whose decision to save himself rather than go down with the ship made him the scapegoat for one of the greatest disasters of all time. This epic tale explores not only the tragedy itself, but the sensationalized trials and aftermath of the night that changed the world forever.

“It was a phenomenal way to usher in our 85th Anniversary,” Inez Parker, longtime President of the Oswego Players, was overheard saying during the Don McCann Playwriting Showcase held at the Frances Marion Brown Theatre over a month ago. “I had the chance to work with Don many times, knew him quite well,” she went on to say. “And I’m sure he would’ve enjoyed seeing these. He wrote several plays himself.” Along with hundreds of audience members, two local authors, Nicholas Gentile and Anton Porcari, had the chance to see their original stories (“Crimes of Passion” and Kleptocracy, respectively) turned into three live productions over the course of the weekend of March 10th through the 12th.

Oswego Players is pleased to announce the cast and crew for our next production! Be sure to mark your calendars for what is sure to be a great show!

The Oswego Players will be hold auditions for “The Last Lifeboat” – a play about the sinking of the Titanic and the man became forever blamed for the incident. Director William Edward White is looking for strong actors 18 to 60+ for an ensemble cast of eleven. Auditions will be Monday and Tuesday, April 24 and 25 from 6:30-9PM each night at the Players’ home, the Frances Marion Brown Theatre at Fort Ontario, Oswego, NY. Callbacks, if needed, will be on Tuesday, May 2, also from 6:30-9PM. Actors are asked to prepare a one-minute monologue. Written by Luke Yankee, the play explores the life of J. Bruce Ismay, owner of The White Star Line. An upper-crust Englishman who always did what was expected of him, Ismay went to the best schools, married the right society girl (even though he was in love with someone else) and vowed to his staunch, unfeeling father on his deathbed that he would take over the family shipping business and build the biggest, most opulent ship the world had ever seen: the RMS Titanic.

Seeking to fulfill a creative void left by an unforgiving pandemic that forced theaters to close their doors in 2020, several members of the Oswego Players decided to revive something that had gone dormant for far too long—a playwriting contest that had been named in honor of longtime member Don McCann. “We may not be allowed to perform but that can’t stop us from writing,” was the basic premise for re-starting a tradition that began shortly after McCann passed away in 2004. A lifetime resident of the Port City, McCann made his mark professionally as a reporter for the Oswego Palladium Times but dove headlong with passion into his avocational interests of acting, directing, and writing by joining the Oswego Players in the mid-1950’s. Over the next four decades he would serve several terms as President and Historian for the community theater group which has had a strong regional presence since 1938. Artistically speaking, he was known for favoring edgy, message-centered plays like The Visit, Inherit the Wind, and Agnes of God, all of which he directed. As a naturally-gifted writer McCann would not only publish numerous articles and play reviews for the organization, but tried his hand penning one-act plays for the group to perform as well.

The Oswego Players is bringing a thrilling double feature to the Frances Marion Brown Theater  this weekend March 10, 11 and 12 with SCENES OF THE CRIME, a presentation of two plays from the Donald McCann Memorial Playwriting Contest. The show promises to be a family affair, as three siblings are involved in the production.

Come see CRIMES OF PASSION on March 10th, 11th, 12th. www.oswegoplayers.org 315-343-5138 Dollar Dance: Starring... Emil Christmann, Sarah Galvin, Joshua Mumm. Written & Directed by Nicholas Gentile Cinematography by Peter Mahan

The Oswego Players will be holding auditions for “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” on February 25th and 26th. Auditions for Curious Incident will take place on Saturday, February 25th at 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and Sunday, February 26th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Frances Marion Brown Theater. The auditions will be cold reading from the script. The play was written by Simon Stephens based on the novel of the same name by Mark Haddon. This production will be directed by Matthew Fleming. “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” was the winner of the 2015 Tony Award for Best Play. A short synopsis of the story: “15-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain: He is exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched, and he distrusts strangers. Now it is 7 minutes after midnight, and Christopher stands beside his neighbor’s dead dog, Wellington, who has been speared with a garden fork. Finding himself under suspicion, Christopher is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington, and he carefully records each fact of the crime. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world”. The dates of this production are on April 14, 15, 16 and April 21, 22, 23. The cast includes roles for 5 men and 5 women. There is some adult language peppered throughout the play. For more information and ticket sales please go to our website, https://oswegoplayers.org/ or for phone reservations please call the Box Office at 315-343-5138.

The Oswego Players opens its 2023 season with a special dinner theatre production on January 20 and 21 at La Parrilla on the Water in Oswego. The “Check Please” Trilogy, a comedy about bad dating experiences, is set over three short acts. Each play follows a series of blind dinner dates that couldn't get any worse -- until they do.

The Oswego Players 2023 season opens on January 20 and January 21 with a special dinner theatre production at La Parrilla on the Water of the “Check Please” Trilogy. The “Check Please” Trilogy is written by Johnathan Rand, these three one-act plays are some of the most popular one acts in the world. Check Please” is a comedy about bad dating set over three short acts. Each play follows a series of blind dinner dates that couldn't get any worse -- until they do. Can you handle a sports enthusiast, a mime, someone with a fear of dinner conversation, a pirate, etc.? Come laugh the night away as you witness the epitome of bad dates. The cast includes funny local talent such as Donald DelPriore, Ashley McKinstry. Matthew Fleming, Jennie Patrick. Joshua DeLorenzo, Stephanie Johnson, Michael A. Bolio, Donald Crowe, Christina Rogers. Tammy Thompson ,Megan Murtha, Beverly Murtha, Katie Gerth, Beth DeRousie, Rebecca Kandt, Amy Armet , Jennifer Waugh. Directing these hilarious one acts are Kevin Colvin, Hannah Kandt and Inez Manor Parker. Dinner is at 5 pm and the show will start at the conclusion of dinner. Tickets are $60 and are on sale at La Parrilla only. To make reservations for the show call La Parrilla at 315-216-4179.

The Oswego Players will be holding auditions for Johnathan Rand’s “Check Please” Trilogy on December 1st and 3rd. Auditions for Check Please will take place on Thursday, December 1st at 6 pm- 8 pm and Saturday, December 3rd from 1 pm-3 pm Frances Marion Brown Theater. “Check Please” is a comedy about bad dating set over three short acts. Can you handle a sports enthusiast, a mime, someone with a fear of dinner conversation, a pirate, etc.? Come laugh the night away as you witness the epitome of bad dates. Three directors will take on this hilarious three-part comedy for an exclusive dinner theater experience at La Parrilla on the Water on January 20th and 21st. Looking for 12 individuals to take on multiple roles. Come one, come all, just come ready to laugh.

The Oswego Players is producing a new spin on the classic tale of the Nutcracker written by Oswego County resident Ramonda Huff. Drosselmeyer’s Nutcracker is directed by Amy C. Metz. It is based on the story by ETA Hoffman”The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” and Tchaikovsky's “Nutcracker Ballet. The writing of Drosselmeyer’s Nutcracker was Ramonda Huff’s capstone project for her homeschool studies. Ramonda learned about her own writing process while working on this play. Ramonda in her own words explains her writing experience, “I tried to write a little every day, and immediately I fell far behind and I wasn't writing entertaining scenes. Once I realized how far behind, I was, I took a day off school and wrote four scenes in one sitting. After that, my mom and I decided that the daunting challenge of writing a play was a lot easier for me to get through if we just blocked out a day every few weeks for me to just write all day. Once I figured that out, it was fun! I loved writing the characters, and I loved reading snippets of what I had just written to my friends and family for their input! I couldn't have done it without their support, especially my mom’s help and support!”

At a recent Membership meeting of the Oswego Players, two of the three winners of the 2022 Donald J. McCann Memorial Playwriting Contest were introduced to attendees: Anton Porcari and Nicholas Gentile, (pictured here) both tied for 2nd Place. The 1st Prize winner, Peter Spartano, was not present. All three plays will be presented to the public next March. The 1st Place winner, called “A Scene from St. Remy,” will receive a full production including cast and crew, while the other two, “Kleptocracy” (by Porcari) and “Crimes of Passion,” (by Gentile) will be presented in a Readers Theater format. Dates and times for these presentations to follow.

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the dinner theatre productions of “A Comedy of Tenors” slated for October 14th and 15th at the Church of the Resurrection will be performed at the Francis Marion Brown theatre instead. Show times are 7:30 and ticket prices are $15.00 adults and $10.00 seniors and students. Tickets are now on sale at the box office. You can make a reservation by calling the box office at 315-343-5138, or you can make reservations online at www.oswegoplayers.org. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch this hilarious romp!

Oswego Players is proud to announce the cast for their upcoming Christmas production: Drosselmeyer’s Nutcracker, written by Oswego County resident Ramonda Huff, directed by Amy C. Metz, and produced in collaboration with Creation Studio, LLC.  We would like to thank everyone for auditioning!  It’s going to be a fun production and an entertaining show!  Mark your calendars now and be sure to get tickets in advance (tickets are already on sale at www.oswegoplayers.org)..  This WILL sell out! 

With only two weeks to go until opening night, the cast and crew of “A Comedy of Tenors” is deep in rehearsal mode. With Sherri Metz in the director seat and husband, Nelson, as her stage manager, the show has been coming together beautifully and everyone is having a blast. The cast has been “finding the funny” and rehearsals are full of laughter and lunacy. Come prepared for a night of outstanding entertainment with just a sprinkle of classic opera tidbits in Ken Ludwig’s hilarious romp. Shows at the Francis Marion Brown theatre at Fort Ontario: Friday Sept. 30, Saturday Oct. 1st, Friday Oct 7th, Saturday Oct. 8th at 7:30pm Sunday Oct. 3rd and Sunday Oct. 9th at 2:00pm. Ticket prices for these performances are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. Dinner theatre at the Church of the Resurrection- 120 W 5th St. Oswego Friday Oct 14th and Saturday Oct.15th-dinner at 6:00, show at 7:30. Dinner and show are $35 and show only are $15. Tickets are now on sale at the box office. You can make a reservation by calling the box office at 315-343-5138, or you can make reservations online at www.oswegoplayers.org.

Celebrate the summer by going back in time to the 1813! The Oswego Players presents the romantic comedy “Pride and Prejudice” on August 5th and 6th at 6:30 pm. This special theatrical event will be taking place outside, presented within the walls of Fort Ontario. The Oswego Players is partnering with New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the Friends of Fort Ontario for this production. The performances will be outdoors; feel free to bring your own comfortable chair. “Pride and Prejudice” is adapted by Jon Jory from Jane Austen’s novel. Tickets are now on sale at the box office. You can make a reservation by calling the box office at 315-343-5138, or you can make reservations online by credit card at www.oswegoplayers.org. “Pride and Prejudice” is presented by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc.

Mary Clarissa Miller, better known as Agatha Christie, was born on September 15, 1890 and died January 12, 1976.Agatha Christie was an English writer of crime and mystery novels. She is best remembered for her detective stories including the two diverse characters of Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot. Her works have been translated into more languages than any other individual writer. She is the best-selling novelist of all time, best known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, as well as the world’s longest-running play -- “The Mousetrap.”

The Oswego Players and Fort Ontario will present the romantic period comedy "Pride and Prejudice" on August 5th and 6, presented within the old stone fort. Finding a husband is hardly Elizabeth Bennet's most urgent priority, but with four sisters, an overzealous match-making mother, and a string of unsuitable suitors, it's difficult to escape the subject. When the independent-minded Elizabeth meets the handsome but prideful Mr. Darcy, she is determined not to let her feelings triumph over her own good sense but the truth turns out to be slipperier than it seems. In a society where subtle snubs and deceit are common, is it possible for Elizabeth and Darcy to look beyond his pride and her prejudice and make the best match of all? The Oswego Players is partnering with New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Friends of Fort Ontario for this production. Both performances start at 6:30 pm. The performances are outdoor, feel free to bring your own comfortable chair. “Pride and Prejudice" is adapted by Jon Jory from Jane Austen’s novel. Tickets are now on sale at the box office. You can make a reservation by calling the box office at 315-343-5138, or you can make reservations online at www.oswegoplayers.org. " Pride and Prejudice" is presented by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc.

Larry Rose and Marion Green were both avid Oswego Players’ members and supporters of the arts. Each year, the Players identifies two graduating seniors who exemplify the qualities held dear by both former members of the theater group. Mariah is honored to receive the Lawrence E. Rose Scholarship and Cameron is honored to receive the Marion Green Scholarship. They would both like to thank everyone at the Oswego Players for their gift which will be applied toward their education.

A Murder is Announced and someone wants Letitia Blacklock dead! Could it be sweet “Bunny” Bunner? Or perhaps Julia and Patrick Simmons are the culprits. Then there is the impetuous Hungarian maid, Mitzi. What of Mrs. Swettenham and her son Edmond or the angry Phillipa Haymes? It will take all the brilliance of Miss Marple and Inspector Craddock to solve this intriguing mystery. The cast includes Rebecca Kandt, Tammy Thompson, Megan Murtha, Josh Munn, Caylyn Salmonsen, Beverly Murtha, Kevin Colvin, Cameron Waugh, Lori Blackburn, William Edward White, Don Crow, and George Spelvin. Inez Manor Parker is directing this production. Norman J. Berlin III is producing it. Troy Pepper is stage managing and assisting the director. Ken Snow has designed and is building the set. Adele Anesko Cronk is dressing the set, and Marie Sterphone is costuming the actors.

The Oswego Players is holding auditions for their special Theater Arts Youth Academy (TAYA) production of “Pride and Prejudice”, adapted by Jon Jory. This production will take place inside the walls of Fort Ontario. The Oswego Players and TAYA will be partnering with New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Friends of Fort Ontario. The director of this production is the multi-talented Norman Berlin III. Come prepared to cold read from the script on Saturday, May 14th from 1 pm-4 pm and Monday, May 16th 6 pm-8 pm at the Frances Marion Brown Theater.

Calling all thespians! The Oswego Players are pleased to announce open auditions for their upcoming summer productions of “A Murder is Announced” by Leslie Darbon adapted from Agatha Christie’s novel. This show is directed by Inez M. Parker. Be prepared to cold read from the script on Friday, May 6th from 6-8 pm and Saturday, May 7th from 1 pm-4 pm at the Frances Marion Brown Theater.

The current production of the Oswego Players was recently adjudicated by the Theater Association of New York State’s Vice President Paul Nelson at their April 3rd performance of “The Savannah Sipping Society.” TANYS is a non-profit theater organization that serves as an educational resource and advocate for all nonprofessional theatre entities in the state of New York-including community theatres, university and college theatre departments, secondary school drama departments, and children’s theatres.

It’s Valentine’s Day and the four ladies of “The Savannah Sipping Society” decide they are going to the big Valentine’s Day Dance in town. Jinx and Dot, two of the ladies, have a private little conversation as they get gussied up for the big night… Jinx: “Come on, Dot let me paint your fingernails! Since this is your first date in forty years you are going to look like the wanton woman you were born to be.” Dot: “I love this makeover you gave me…what I can see of it. Randa made some tea. It’s a big night, let’s start out with a caffeine high.” Jinx: “Give me those paws, Dot. I’m lacquering you up with Passion’s Promise.” Dot: “Oh Happy Valentine’s Day to me!” As the night unfolds, the evening event turns into a hilarious round of new adventures and lots of hearty laughs for those who will be sitting in their seats as the Oswego Player’s open their 84 Season of community theater.

The Oswego Players would appreciate the publics support to help Kelly Mosher with her cancer treatments. Tickets can be purchased at the box office between 6:00 and 7 pm 4/01, 4/02 and 4/03 is at matinee between 1 pm and 2 pm

What would a stage play be like without the sparkle of the lights, the impact of sound effects and music, and a spectacular set? Well in this case, all these enhancements will be magically present when the curtain opens in two weeks for the Oswego Players’ season opener. The play takes place in Savannah Georgia over a period of six months or so as four uniquely personal southern women forge a comradery to last a lifetime. And in the process, the audience gets to watch as they come together on the veranda to discuss life, love, and friendship. All of this is sure to bring many a smile and tons of laughter to everyone who attends. Place all of this on the Frances Marion Stage in a beautiful set constructed by Bob and Skeeter Collins along with lighting and sound by Matthew Georgiades, and POW, you have the makings of one dynamic production.

When director Paul McKinney scheduled auditions for Oswego Players” production of “The Savannah Sipping Society,” he had his fingers crossed along with a few of his toes, hoping there would be a good number of women who would be interested in reading for the play. All eight of the women who eventually read, could easily have been cast in one role or the other. However, this time around, four of these fine actresses just seemed to click with one another in their auditions together. So, he ultimately cast Sherri Metz, Beth DeRousie, Beverly Murtha, and Gina Mazzoli Wentworth to play the leads in “The Savannah Sipping Society.” And happily, Becky Kandt and Jennie Patrick, signed on to be Stage Managers for the show. Now how lucky can you get. Paul laughingly calls this his “all women show, plus one.”

So often when we go to a theater production, we get totally caught up in the action on the stage. If it’s a classic, we sit quietly as the actors recreate something from the past. If it’s a musical, we sometimes hum along with the music. When it’s a comedy we just sit back and have a good laugh for ourselves. And that is exactly what the magic of live theater is meant to do…totally immerse the audience in the moment. So often we leave the theater talking about those emotions the play brought to bear. But how many times do we think about all the creative talents who worked “behind the scenes” orchestrating all the pieces that make up the totality of the production? When “The Savannah Sipping Society” opens, Becky Kandt, Jennie Patrick, Caylyn Salmonsen, and Steve Standish will not be seen nor heard. But their talents will be ever present as they manage the many stage props and set ups the actors need to enhance the action of the play.

On March 4th,2022, an open house will be held at the Francis Marion Brown Theatre featuring the 2021 Don McCann Playwriting Contest Winner Candy written by Sarah Galvin and directed by Gina Wentworth. The ticket price for this event is pay what you can. All donations will go toward the Don McCann Playwriting Contest. The open house starts at 7:30 PM with a small reception. The entertainment will follow at 8 pm which includes The Universal Language, Improv games and Candy.

The Oswego Players will be hosting a Special Open House in the Frances Marion Brown Theater featuring Sara’s award-winning play, titled “Candy”, Directed by Gina Wentworth on March 4th at 7:30 pm. In lieu of tickets, patrons will be asked to make a donation to the McCann Competition. The event will start with a Meet and Greet with Refreshments followed by an 8 pm program to include: “The Universal Language” A short play directed by Norm Berlin III Improv Games with Audience Participation and “Candy” by Sarah Galvin, Directed by Gina Wentworth

When “The Man Who Came to Dinner.” opened this past weekend, the enthusiastic audiences were treated to laughs a plenty. If you missed it, you still have an opportunity to come to the Frances Marion Brown Theater and enjoy a couple of hours of good old fashion fun. And best of all, included in this fine cast are these three characters who will have you in stitches. We’ve already highlighted Mr. Whiteside, played by Robert Kovak, but must share a few words about Norm Berlin playing Banjo and Gary Smith who portrays Beverly Carlton.

When the Oswego Players opens the doors to their Frances Marion Brown Theater December 3rd, audiences will be excited to see many veteran actors and some new faces on the stage. That smiling face you see in the photograph is none other than Robert Kovak. And hovering over him in the picture are mother and daughter team, Beverly and Megan Murtha. Beverly and Megan are fresh off the stage from the most recent production of “Dearly Departed.” Beverly will be playing the part of Maggie Cutler and Megan will take on the role of Lorraine Sheldon.

“Tis the season to be jolly” and do we have a fun filled classic for the whole family. Troy Pepper and his cast and crew invite you to join in the fun when they present, “The Man Who Came to Dinner” December 3, 4, 10, 11 at 7:30 pm and December 5, 12 at 2:00 pm. in the Frances Marion Brown Theater, Civic Center of Oswego, Donahue Drive.

A table, two chairs and a pair of actors reading from scripts on an otherwise bare stage sounds like one notch up from a radio play. But A.R. Gurney's deceptively simple tour de force, Love Letters, is that rare work whose emotional richness requires no embellishment to become a full-bodied theatrical experience.

When Jack Carr approached the Oswego Players with his idea of bringing A.R. Guerney’s play “Love Letters,” to the Frances Marion Brown Theater, it came as a great surprise. And, when Jack shared that he had been a part of the Players some time ago, the idea began to grow and soon developed into a firm date, time, and cast. On November 13th Jack and his actress colleague, Nancy Kane, will make the idea a reality.

The Oswego Players is very proud to be partnering with Window Sills Productions from Cortland, NY for a one day, two performance production of “Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney. Based in Cortland, Window Sills Productions is honored to offer these performances as a gift to the Oswego Players as an encouragement as the theatre continues to emerge from the pandemic.

Sometimes few words speak volumes. This was the case with Axh Izyk and Kira Donaghue when they were asked to write a bio about their experiences with theater. And while neither knew it at the time, their sentiments are expressed right here in this article about the play they are performing in titled, “Bad Auditions by Bad Actors.” The Theater Arts Youth Academy closes out its run of this funny comedy this weekend with performances scheduled October 29, 30 at 7:30 pm and October 31 at 2:00 pm. Both new actors to the Oswego Players, are enjoying the comradery of making new friends, developing new skills, and just having a good time pretending. And after all, isn’t that what theater is all about.

I attended the opening night performance of “Bad Auditions by Bad Actors” and found myself in the last row of the theater waiting for the show to begin. Our Theater Arts Youth Program is in its fourth year and this production was special for many reasons. Because of the impact of COVID-19, Bad Auditions is the first live stage production the Oswego Players’ Theater Arts Youth Academy has been able to present since 2019. This cast that Norm Berlin has so ably assembled includes students that have been with the Academy since its beginning. And most excitedly a few of the cast members are brand new to the group. In fact, a couple of folks are new to acting in general. That’s right, never been in a play of any kind.

Four years ago, the Oswego Players decided to extend their programming options for students wanting to dabble in live theater production. Player’s member Anne Raynor had provided a wonderfully popular summer weeklong workshop and production for the Players for many years and because of its popularity and impact, it was felt that a yearlong program could be made available for more participants and more activities. Thus, the Oswego Players Theater Arts Youth Academy was formed in 2018. Since then, the stage has been busy with all kinds of week-end workshops, rehearsals, and full-blown plays like Bad Auditions by Bad Actors. A number of these youngsters have matured and moved onto the Oswego Players’, mainstage for their regular season shows as well. It’s no surprise that Kat Winchek is the primary role and Caylyn Salmonsen has multiple parts in TAYA’s latest production. Kat will be graduating at the end of this school year and moving on to her next adventure, while Caylyn is just beginning her high school journey. They are two wonderful actresses and shared their thoughts so beautifully:

The Oswego Players has a long history of providing the younger generation opportunities to become involved in the theater arts. In fact, it is part of their charter outlined in 1963. And most recently their Theater Arts Youth Academy (TAYA) has made workshops, classes, and stage productions for and about students a regular part of the OP programming. When Bad Auditions by Bad Actors opens this week, a bunch of eager and talented students will “put on a play” in which they have invested a lot of time and emotion for the past four weeks. All they need now is a lively audience to sit back and enjoy the moment. Your applause will be their reward for all the hard work and passion they have put into their show.

These three students are no strangers to the Frances Marion Brown Theater. They all have participated in the Theater Arts Youth Academy (TAYA) and know each other well. What makes this show special is that each of these young actors have double roles in the TAYA production of Bad Auditions by Bad Actors. This gives them lots more time on stage to interact when the show opens in a few weeks. The Fowler brothers, Ethan and Ben hail from Hannibal and share many of the same interests. This joint venture into live theater has brought them together for a whole new experience. Here’s what they have to say about it… Ellie is also a veteran member of TAYA. She graces the stage this time in two funny roles and shares a few thoughts here…

So many times in life, we find ourselves so wrapped up in our job, family or life in general, we never seem to be able to do some of the things we always thought we wanted to do. As we get older and begin to settle into our daily routine, if we’re lucky, we might just find we now can explore that one thing that always alluded us earlier on our journey. That seems to be just the case for George Valentine. George took that big step recently and was cast in the upcoming production of Bad Auditions by Bad Actors for the Oswego Players and the Theater Arts Youth Academy (TAYA).

It’s always great fun meeting new actors and actresses when the Oswego Players cast a new show. It’s even more exciting when TAYA takes the stage and new folks join in the fun of “putting on a play.” Norm Berlin III knew he had a winning team when he cast both Olivia and Annabella in duel parts each in “Bad Auditions by Bad Actors.” As you will soon read these two are best friends, enjoy many of the same hobbies and now will be able to take part in a major theatrical production this month. Norm asked all the students to write their own biographies for the program and publicity. And you just never know what will be written. You can’t help smile from ear to ear after reading some of them and definitely want to see them perform when the show opens in the Frances Marion Brown Theater, Civic Center, 30

When the lights go up for the next production of the Oswego Players’ Theater Arts Youth Academy (TAYA), two veteran young actors of the organization will share the spotlight in “Bad Auditions by Bad Actors.”

The Oswego Players and their Theatre Arts Youth Academy are proud to announce that tickets are on sale for their upcoming production, “Bad Auditions by Bad Actors” by Ian McWethy, through licensing from Playscripts, Inc.Director Norman Berlin III is thrilled to invite many TAYA veterans back again to the Frances Marion Brown stage as well as some talented new comers who are joining in the fun. Norm tells us he has gathered a very gifted group that includes: Abigail Cosmo Smith, Annabella Sobrino, Ash Izyk, Ben Fowler, Caylyn Salmonsen, Ellie Laird, Ethan Fowler, Eva Kandt, Gus McDonald, Hannah Kandt, Kat Winchek, Kira Donaghue, Olivia O’Connor, Trevor Griffiths and George Valentine.

Calling all thespians! Director Troy Pepper and The Oswego Players is pleased to announce open auditions for their production of “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. Working along side Mr. Pepper will be Inez M. Parker, assistant to the director and Peter Mahan, Stage Manager. The cast includes roles for 9 women and 15 men. Their ages range from 15 years to 60+ years old. Auditions dates for The Man Who Came To Dinner will be on Friday October 1st from 6-8 pm and Sunday October 3rd from 1-4 pm. Please come prepared to cold read from the script. The auditions will be at the Frances Marion Brown Theater, 30 Barbara Donahue Dr., Oswego, NY.

The Oswego Players and their Theatre Arts Youth Academy are proud to announce the cast for their next production, “Bad Auditions by Bad Actors”. The cast (pictured above) incudes a number of veterans to the Frances Marion Brown stage and several newcomers for this October production. Kathleen Winchek, George Valentine, Trevor Griffiths, Ellie Laird, Caylyn Salmonsen, Abigail Cosmo Smith, Eva Kandt, Hannah Kandt, Ben Fowler, Kira Donoghue, Ethan Fowler, Olivia O’Connor, Ash Izyk, Annabella Sobrino and Gus McDonald round out this talented group.

Director Norman Berlin III, The Oswego Players and the Theater Arts Youth Academy is pleased to announce open auditions for their production of “Bad Auditions by Bad Actors,” by Ian McWethy. The cast includes roles for 12 women and 10 men. The majority of the roles are for teenagers ranging from age 13-19. Most of the roles are gender flexible and a few of characters can be played by adults. Please come prepared to cold read from the script on Sunday, September 5th from 1 pm-4 pm, Tuesday September 8th 6 pm-8 pm and Saturday September 11th 1-4 pm at the Frances Marion Brown Theater, 30 Barbara Donahue Dr., Oswego, NY.

Larry Rose and Marion Green were both avid Oswego Players’ members and supporters of the theater arts. Each year, the Players identifies a graduating senior who exemplifies the qualities held dear by both former members of the theater group. This year, Audrey Hinman was selected to receive both the Larry Rose and Marion Green Scholarships.

When the doors of the Frances Marion Brown Theater opened up for the first time in two years to welcome patrons, they were greeted with a newly constructed decking systems on the North and South exterior of the Oswego Civic Arts Center. Thanks to the generosity of the Richard S. Shineman Foundation’s recent grant award of $160,000, the local community theater organization has been able to make substantial improvements to their home and have been able to enhance the overall patron experience with programmatic improvements that will impact the organization for years to come.

When Junior Turpin and his wife Suzanne are called back home to help with a family crisis, they find themselves in the car on a long road trip with three misbehaving kids and no money. Junior has recently failed at yet another hair-brained business venture and Suzanne has lots of time to remind him of it on the long drive home. Suzanne has had a dream of becoming a famous singer all her life and feels cheated in more ways than one by her bumbling husband.

When the Reverend Hooker arrives in town, little does he know what he will have to deal with when he is called to the Turpin home for support and counsel. Meeting Raynelle Turpin and daughter Delightful is an “eye opener” experience to say the least. He tries his best to support the two but somehow keeps getting blindsided by the information he is given as he attempts to find out as much as he can about Daddy Bud Turpin.

As with many organizations, this past year plus has been challenging. And for theater groups everywhere, the impact has been devastating. So it is with great pride and enthusiasm that the Oswego Players announces the season premiere of “Dearly Departed.” Paul McKinney, director of this production, invites everyone to join in the fun by making reservations early. “This comedy will offer tons of laugh lines and a heartwarming journey about family, friends, and love. ‘Dearly Departed’ runs August 6, 7, 13, 14 at 7:30 pm and August 8, 15, at 2:00 pm in the Frances Marion Brown Theater, 30 Barbara Donahue Dr., Oswego. Tickets go on sale July 1.”

When Jennifer Waugh walked into auditions, she was hoping to get a part in the comedy, “Dearly Departed.” She read for a couple of the female roles, had fun and left for home, not knowing whether she had done well or not. Jennifer’s prior experience with the Oswego Players was part in the ensemble of “Annie Get Your Gun.” So when Director Paul McKinney called her on the phone a few days later, she was really excited.

Director Paul McKinney and Stage Manager Steve Standish have brought together a group of wonderful actors and actresses who will play out the fun that unfolds when “Dearly Departed” by playwrights David Bottrell and Jessie Jones opens in the Frances Marion Brown Theater at the Civic Arts Center in Oswego August 6 at 7:30 p.m.

For as long as anyone can remember Building #30 in the Fort Ontario Park complex has carried the weight of a 100 foot-long cement loading dock on its North side. And for the past 58 years, patrons entering the building, now called the Civic Arts Center, have had to maneuver this walkway to enter the building for plays and art exhibits. This week all that has begun to change.