About the Actorsingers

Welcome! We're the Actorsingers of Nashua, New Hampshire, USA — a community theater group now celebrating our Golden Anniversary (1955 to 2005). We've presented fine musicals to Nashua area audiences for fifty years!

We love musical theater. Members of our group are not only "actor-singers" but also dancers and instrumentalists, creative designers of scenery, costumes and lighting; carpenters, technicians, publicists, ticket takers, and all manner of folks who enjoy working together to create the magic of theater.

Our faithful supporters are those who support culture and the arts, and those who simply like to see a good show. They include our Season Subscribers, corporate supporters including advertisers in our program booklets, and our ever-important individual patrons.

We are not a professional theater company, though we do frequently reach that level of polished production seen on the professional stage. We do theater for the love of it.

Welcome to Actorsingers. We hope you'll join us!

Follow these links to read about opportunities for you to...

• Become a subscriber
• Appear onstage
• Help out backstage

[webmaster note: these are already a bit old... will try to update them soon]

Who can join?

Anyone 18 years old or older for the adult group. For the Junior Actorsingers, children in the 3rd through 10th grade.

How do I join?

Basically, audition for and be cast in a show (the rule is everybody who appears on stage MUST be a dues paying member), or show up at rehearsals and volunteer to work.

What does membership get me?

The chance to give Actorsingers $10! :) But seriously, after meeting certain requirements, the right to vote and hold office. The right to appear on stage. A semi-quarterly, bi-monthly newsletter. The chance to work with a great bunch of dedicated theater people. The right to participate in social events.

How many plays does the group produce each year?

Generally, 2 major musicals, a smaller show in the summer, and one children's musical, but that's not a firm rule.

How are the plays chosen?

By committee; please see the play reading committee page.

Are they always musicals?

Yes. Usually larger scale Broadway musicals for our major productions. Summer shows are often smaller in scale.

Do I have to be in every play to be a member?

No, but to maintain active voting membership you must pay dues and participate in at least on officially sanctioned activity. This usually means our shows, but also includes working on committees such as the one that maintains this web site.

Can I be a member in other community theater groups?

Yes, but why would you want to? :-)

How often does the group meet?

The Board meets every month (at least), there is an Annual meeting in June when officers are elected, a semi-annual meeting is January, cast parties after the shows, other parties as the mood strikes us. Auditions vary, for the adult major productions, February and August, the Junior Actorsinger show in December or January, summer shows (either adult or children) late June or July. We always publicize them in the local papers.

Where does the group meet?

Actorsingers Hall, 219 Lake Street in Nashua, for everything except performances. We perform at various venues, most notably the Edmund Keefe Auditorium.

How many people does it take to produce a play?

Lots! In The King and I (our last show), there were 187 named characters and production staff positions. In perhaps a quarter of that total, the same persons are doing more than one thing (e.g. usher and concessions).

Do we have to pay royalties?

Yes, the amount varies with the popularity, or newness of the show, the number of performances, the seating available and ticket prices.

What kinds of governance does the organization have?

(Please see also our government page.) There is a president, vice president, recording secretary, treasurer and a corresponding secretary. There are also 6 directors who serve staggered two year terms, and the immediately past president who serves ex officio. There is also a set of by-laws and a policy and procedures manual.

Are Board meetings open to the membership?

Yes.

How are officers chosen?

By election, at the June Annual Meeting. The officers for one year (2 year limit), directors for 2 years, three changing at each election.

Can anybody be an officer?

Yes, if they are a voting member.

How much does it cost to produce a play?

[need an answer to this one]

Does Actorsingers perform any original works?

Yes, but not very often. The latest play premiere by our adult group was The Saints of 17th Street by D.K. Oklahoma. The Junior Actorsingers perform original works more frequently; their latest was Rock The Shoolhouse by Kathy Lovering and Shirley Coutu. If you wish to submit an original (musical!) work for consideration, please contact our play reading committee.
Update (January 2004): The Februrary 2004 production of BOOMERS: PROMISES MADE NOT KEPT is also a world premiere. And the Junior Actorsingers have presented other original plays and revues since "Rock The Schoolhouse".

How do I get to Actorsingers Hall?

See our driving directions page.

How do I get to Carnegie Hall?

Practice.

Are donations tax deductible?

Yes. (Send money now!) Money spent on tickets or subscriptions is not.