Weiser Little Theater planning shorter plays

Though their fall production has been postponed, Weiser Little Theater has plans to stay active and provide entertainment to their patrons in the safest way possible.
 The theater’s production of “Steel Magnolias” has been delayed until the spring or when the event will be deemed safe due to the pandemic, said president of the Little Theater Diane Kinney.
 The postponement was decided three days before opening night, and the theater has remained totally ready for the production.
 To keep the spirit of the art alive in the upcoming months, the actors of the Little Theater have decided to organize shorter productions for a smaller audience and featured in the dining area rather than the in-the-round room. Guests will be invited to bring their own food and drink while also enjoying one to two act plays as well as other performances.
 “We don’t want to go stale, and we sure don’t want to do anything to deprive our  Weiser community,” said Kinney.
 The theater has a capacity for 82 guests, however per physical distancing, 45 seats will be available a night and given as a first come, first serve basis. The large tables will be removed, and guests will be able to sit at dispersed round tables, likely keeping to a limited number of four individuals at a table.
 Five comedies have been singled out as potential performances, and while no set date has been chosen yet, Kinney said the group is looking toward the end of January and the middle of February 2021. The events will be scheduled in the evening and will cover a weekend. Each performance is expected to last 90 minutes, allowing for time between acts and performances as well as keeping the time guests are inside to a minimum.
 “We have such a wise board, they’re all so smart and caring for our patrons,” said Kinney. “Our audience is loyal…”
 The theater works to perform each show right, said Kinney. Each performance is meticulously practiced to create the best atmosphere possible, with the intention to be performed more than one night.
 Two major productions are normally scheduled for the spring and winter, and while the Steel Magnolias performance is delayed it is still scheduled to happen, with its actors rehearsing via Zoom to remain fresh and practiced.
 The dining room as well as the in-the-round room remain set up and ready for an audience. The group hopes the production can be scheduled for April next year.