No Fog West Theater Company facts for kids
No Fog West Theater is a special theater group run by students from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York. It started in December 2006. This group believes that theater can help people think about important issues and understand themselves better. They use their plays to encourage kindness and open discussions about topics that matter to everyone.
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First Play: The Laramie Project
No Fog West Theater's first play was The Laramie Project. This play was shown in Sheridan, Wyoming in July 2007. Ten students from different parts of the country came to perform and direct. Five students were from Vassar College, one from the University of Puget Sound, and four from the Sheridan area.
The Laramie Project is a very popular play in the United States. However, it had only been performed a few times in Wyoming. No Fog West Theater's show ran for two weeks at the Carriage House Theater in Sheridan.
Community Discussion and Parade
Besides the play, the theater group also held a special meeting for the community. They talked about how communities can help prevent hate and unfair treatment. A minister, a state lawmaker, a school board member, and a psychologist joined a panel to discuss these issues with everyone. The theater group also marched in the Sheridan Rodeo Parade.
Second Play: Talking to Terrorists
After the success of The Laramie Project, the leaders of No Fog West Theater met with theater experts. These experts helped them plan their second play. This was a summer 2008 tour of Talking to Terrorists by Robin Soans.
About Robin Soans
Robin Soans is a well-known actor and writer. He has acted in many plays, including those at famous theaters like the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. He has also appeared in many TV shows and movies. In 2000, he wrote a play called A State Affair. This play toured the country and was even performed for lawmakers in the House of Lords.
Touring the Play
No Fog West Theater's connections in Sheridan led them to a special place called the Ucross Foundation. This foundation is where Sundance Theatre's writers often go to work. The theater group spent three weeks rehearsing their play there. After that, they went on a three-week tour in August 2008. They performed in Sheridan, Wyoming; Salt Lake City, Utah; and McCall, Idaho.
Meet the Team
No Fog West Theater is managed by a group of leaders called the board of directors. The main people in charge are Grace Cannon, who is the Production Director; Max Hershenow, who is the Artistic Director; and Madeleine Joyce, who is the Secretary. Actors for each play are chosen through auditions.
The Laramie Project Actors
The actors who performed in The Laramie Project were Adam Colton, Christine Hottinger, Angie Prichard, Mike Marshall, Austin Bramwell, Anne Gordon, Jordan Coffey, Grace Cannon, and Madeleine Joyce. Max Hershenow was the Director.
Talking to Terrorists Actors
The actors for Talking to Terrorists were Jamie Watkins, Baize Buzan, Nijae Draine, Nathan Birnbaum, Grace Cannon, Madeleine Joyce, Adam Colton, and Mike Marshall. Becky Katz was the Road Manager, and Max Hershenow was the Director.
