Beyond the Classroom: Student Initiative Makes the Play the Thing

Salem State University theatre students Nick Palenchar, Grace Healy and Jacqui Amrich know that part of being serious about theatre is knowing what is the latest theatre news, what's being produced, what's being written. Together they created the Playbook Club, which has been meeting since October, reading a new play every two weeks, and meeting weekly. The plays selected are modern and contemporary, with well known playwrights, or emerging writers including: Rabbit Hole by David Lindsay-Abaire, The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh, In the Blood by Suzan Lori Parks, Dinner with Friends by Donald Margulies, and Dog Sees God by Bert V. Royal. The plays are re-sold on Amazon, making the finances of the group self-sufficient, especially with the additional selling of concessions at theatre performances. Want to join them? Contact npalenchar@gmail.com

Insider Theatre Tips!

Here's what some of our regular patrons know that might make your next trip to a performance at Salem State and even better one.

PARKING: If you don't get lucky with a spot on Lafayette Street, you can park in LOT A just off of College Drive, the drive located two buildings past Mainstage Theatre headed East. If the gate is up, you can park legally. Even better: turn right into the driveway directly next to the Mainstage, and try one of the reserved spots for administration. These spots are free and open in the evenings and Sundays, and the campus police will not ticket you. Third: On Loring Avenue, turn into the parking lot next to Horace Mann Elementary School, and find reserved and metered parking which is also free on the weekend. You will be just a short walk behind the Mainstage from this spot, or have easy access to the elevator to the Callan if you're headed to a black box theatre performance.

AIR CONDITIONED: Bring a sweater. It gets cool in the Mainstage!

LINES And... there's usually a line for tickets so buy in advance to avoid it! Online at http://www.salemstatetickets.com or call M-F, 10 am - 4 pm: 978-542-7555.

DISCOUNTS There's still time this week to get a subscription discount, if you purchase tickets to Lend Me a Tenor and Into the Woods as a package. By phone only.