October 2009
Like my predecessors I love the bare stage
and the challenge of producing and directing a play. Buckham Alley
Theatre provides those types of opportunities. We are Flint’s only
Alternative Theatre.
Since becoming president in 2007 Buckham
Alley Theatre has undergone radical changes. Buckham Alley Theatre
has survived the past two years without a permanent home. We have
done it with the unwavering support of Greg Fiedler and the Greater
Flint Arts Council. They have offered us a temporary home, a place
to store things, and more. We have survived in a rotten economy. At
this moment, money is a serious issue.
While we all miss the old theatre, it is
time to move on.
During my first year as President we were
fortunate enough to receive a generous grant from the Ruth Mott
Foundation. This grant enabled us to present five plays over the
course of the year. Playwrights Forum was produced through a
mini-grant from GFAC.
We have been producing plays and will
continue to do so. Our productions have taken place in a number of
venues. Cost is always an important consideration. Attendance has
been up and down. Part of it is our fault. We have learned that not
having a building requires you to think and act differently. Recent
productions include "Escanaba In Love", "The Underpants", Moonlight
and Magnolias", and "Big Criminals".
Our Board of Directors is a dedicated group
consisting of Jon, Coggins, Steve Munsell, Mary Powers, Dennis
Sykes, Jr. Nunley, Alaina Wiens, Barb Mirsky, Pat Naughton, Bill
Toll, and Christine Lambert. These members have directed, produced,
starred in, and donated much to Buckham Alley Theatre’s survival.
The 2009-2010 season offers us more
opportunities. We have a new vice-president Amber Dillard. We
started the season with a successful world tour of "Escanaba in da
Moonlight". We have several shows planned for after the first of the
year. We will be announcing them after our November 9th board
meeting.
What can you do to help us? A building would
be nice. We need actors, directors, tech people, people who know
something about publicity, and, more importantly, people who love
theatre. We need places to perform that are free or don’t charge
much. We have several openings on the Board of Directors.
If you would like to help, but are unable to
do so physically, we could use financial support. Any donations
would be greatly appreciated. Money goes toward productions, a
building fund, and other needs of the theatre.
If you have suggestions for places to
perform, plays to produce, or anything else, feel free to contact
me.
Buckham Alley Theatre has been around for 26
years and we plan to extend that even further.
Help us keep the theatre alive and well in
our region.
Joseph Michael Mishler
The following awards were presented at the
September 29, 2009 Annual Meeting.
Jon Coggins for his commitment and
dedication to Buckham Alley Theatre. Jon has been involved recently
in 5 productions and is our past president.
Matt Coggins, Jon’s son, for his commitment
and dedication to Buckham Alley Theatre. Matt has been involved in
five recent productions. Not only has he acted, but he has done tech
and artwork for the theatre.
Jeff Johnson was awarded Volunteer of the
Year for 2009. He helped us immensely with the "Escanaba in da
Moonlight" production at Almont. He is also a past board member.
Mary Powers was awarded the Volunteer of the
Year for 2008. Mary is past vice president and long time board
member. She has directed, acted, and produced plays. She also
handles our phone and reservations.
Steven Munsell was awarded Volunteer of the
Year for 2009. Steve is our current secretary and long time board
member. He has acted in recent productions and has designed the
sets. He also handles box office and concessions for the theatre.
We presented Greg Fiedler and the Greater
Flint Arts Council with a plaque thanking them for their generous
support.
