Explorations in Theater

MLT is excited to announce our next virtual venture in the form of a forum series with some of MLT’s long-serving members!

Covering various aspects of theater, the forums run June 23 through July 13. All are welcome to attend to listen in and join the discussion.

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Tuesday June 23 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Removing the Table

A discussion of the audition process for actors

With Steve Black
and Alex Dietrich

Ever wonder what is going on in the minds of the people behind the table at your audition? In this online forum, two local directors will discuss the audition process from a director’s point of view. In addition to audition tips, tricks, do’s and don’ts, Alex and Steve will provide advice on how to do your best, remain calm, and be yourself! Both musical and non musical auditions will be discussed along with virtual and traditional audition settings. Time will be dedicated for questions from attendees as well.

Alexandra Dietrich, originally from Freeport, Maine, is known in New England for her work as a mezzo-soprano, music educator, arts advocate, and as a stage director whose direction has been called “brilliant” and “moving”. More about Alexandra Dietrich

Steve Black is a director, arts and school administrator. Steve has directed an numerous theaters and has served on the board of MLT for many years including multiple terms as president. More about Steve Black


Monday, June 29 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Broadway Anywhere

A Musical Theatre Sing-a-long

With Lianne Goodwin
and Thom Smoker

Musical Theatre SIng-a-Long: Thom & Lianne bring you an evening of those classic musical theater songs we all secretly (or proudly) love to sing along to. Grab your favorite beverage, sit in your favorite chair or stand in the shower, and join Thom and Lianne as we all sing along to the broadway classics and hits.

Thom Smoker and Lianne Goodwin. What do you need to know? They are both music educators, both singers, both music directors, both performers, both love musical theater, both love being involved with the community, and both love to do all of those things together.


Wednesday. July 8 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Contemporary Theater

The reading of a new play

With Emily Grove
and Zach Winston

New York City, 1977. Ed Koch is campaigning for mayor, Annie debuts on Broadway, a widespread blackout takes the city by storm, and an aging pro-wrestling promotion struggles to maintain relevance in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. Join us for a virtual staged reading of local playwright, Zach Winston’s Prologue: Welcome to The Big Times, an open-ended serial for the stage about television, crime, the media, and professional wrestling. Emily & Zach will be joined by local Boston & North Shore actors to bring this script to life, followed by a brief Q&A.

Zach Winston is a Boston-based actor/producer/director, and now, playwright. He is a founding member of Vagabond Theatre Group (IRNE nominations, Best New Play- Burning the Barn, Burning Up the Dictionary; Elliott Norton nomination, Best New Play- Breaking the Shakespeare Code), and has performed with various theatre companies including Zeitgeist Stage (Eight by Tenn, A Bright New Boise, Tigers Be Still), Vagabond Theatre Group (August & Autumn, True Believers), Boston Public Works (Hard & Fast: A Love Story), and Take Your Pick Productions (Lost Girls). After spending seven years working directly with playwrights while producing new works with Vagabond Theatre Group, Zach is excited to finally set pen-to-paper again. 

Emily Grove is a theatre educator, director, and actor living in Boston. Emily has taught youth theatre at the American Repertory Theatre, Greater Boston Stage Company, Company One, Arlington Children’s Theatre, and more. She is the resident theatre teaching artist at the Fayerweather Street School in Cambridge. Directing credits include: The Importance of Being Earnest, Machinal, Romeo and Juliet, and Mr. Marmalade. Acting credits include: The Smell of the Kill (Nicky), The Tempest (Miranda), and Cabaret (Fraulein Kost). Emily has served on the Board of Directors at MLT for just over two years and is a graduate of Salem State University, holding her BFA in Theatre: Performance.


Monday, July 13 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Playwriting Deconstructed

The process of writing for the stage

with Anne Marilyn Lucas, DGA

In this playwriting forum we will talk about dramatic structure, plot, character,and form (full length, one act and ten minute). I will talk about my process for creating different length plays. Ideas that suite this medium. How do you know it is a stage play or a screen play?
Where do you start? Should a play be linear? There will be time for questions at the end of the presentation.

Anne Marilyn Lucas, DGA, is a playwright whose works have been produced and featured locally and internationally. Anne served as one of MLT’s original Trustees and continues to serve on MLT’s board.
More about Anne Lucas