From the day in 1997 when Jane Avery, an educator in the local school system, bought the building and founded Our Town Theatre (OTT), dramatic arts in our area have had a home. Six full seasons of plays. musicals, readings, guest artists, classes, and special events have filled the theatre, allowing hundreds of people to enjoy participating in the full range of the theatrical experience-from appearing onstage, creating shows from backstage, and appreciating them as audience.

A true community theatre, OTT has provided a stage for everyone from small children to senior citizens. Young actors in school plays and renowned professional musicians have had equal opportunities to shine in the theatre's spotlight.

A non-profit organization, the theatre has benefited from broad community support, both financially and in volunteer participation, and from a dynamic collaboration with the Maryland State Arts Council, the Garrett County Arts Council, the Board of Education, Garrett College, local government, and businesses.

(Jane Avery performing a puppet skit)

While the theatre is a wonderful performance space, it has serious drawbacks as a storage facility. Our growing collection of costumes, props, furniture. supplies, and equipment has overtaken the building, creating a logjam that has begun to hamper our ambitious and varied performance schedule. Even utilizing paid and temporarily donated storage space has created logistical problems of access and a confusion of resources, so the Board of Directors began to envision a support space that would be close to the theatre and relieve the pressure on the building.

When property just down the block became available, we purchased it outright, thanks to a major gift from the theatre's founder, Jane Avery, and the balance supplied by a special fund established by the board. We engaged an architect to draw plans for the new building, called The Backstage, and assigned him the task of meeting the theatre's needs for the present and future, while complementing the neighborhood with an attractive addition to downtown Oakland. Naturally, expense was to be kept to a minimum.

Instead of a cheaper but purely functional and unattractive "barn," the board approved a design similar to a two-story house with an oversized garage. The "house" provides storage and easy access for furniture and heavy props in the downstairs portion, with costumes and smaller supplies stored upstairs. There is also a room for design, construction, and maintenance of the costume collection, where students and others work at the art of costuming.

The "garage" is the home of The Scene Shop, where professionals and amateurs are able to create the sets envisioned for each production, without the time and space constrictions that building in the theatre itself imposes. While saving the theatre from the terrible wear and tear of construction and keeping it available for other activities. The Scene Shop is also a learning space for students and volunteers who want to try their hand at set building and scene painting.

In the corner of the Backstage lot is another of Jane Avery's dreams made real. The Garden in the Corner, a place to remember and honor young people from Garrett County who have died, is the result of an Eagle Scout project. This contemplative spot will also be a backdrop for appropriate performances.

Another garden, long planned as part of the landscaping of the property, will be a memorial to Ms. Charlotte Avery. whose initial gift to her niece was the beginning of Our Town Theatre. We are studying the possibility of making this a Shakespeare Garden , where many of the plants and herbs found in Shakespeare's plays will be cultivated and identified, providing another educational experience for students of theatre.

The Board of Directors of Our Town Theatre is confident that this space, along with the original theatre building, will give the talented community of Garrett County a place to shine for many years to come.

Directions

As a Backstage Benefactor, you can help Our Town Theatre pay for desperately needed space and facilities for the behind-the-scenes activities that are so fundamental to creating theatre.

Please send a donation targeted for "The Backstage." using this form, to;

Our Town Theatre
121 Center Street
Oakland , MD 21550

You will receive, along with our grateful thanks, a receipt for your tax-deductible gift. The names of all donors will appear on a permanent plaque in the new facility.

Name: _________________________________

Date: ___________________________________

Address: _________________________________

Phone: __________________________________

Email: ___________________________________

(Make checks payable to Our Town Theatre)

Thanks to You,

The Backstage is a Reality!