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Somewhere there are people who want to be heard.

Somewhere there are people whose minds are filled with words that emote and engage.

Somewhere there are people from our community who expose their souls in ways that can inspire, shock and entertain.

That somewhere is Towngate Theatre.

As part of the Second Season at Towngate, The Prosers, a group of local spoken-word artists, perform original, intensely emotional works. They share powerful stories of personal struggle and authentic experiences while examining social justice issues.

They will perform Saturday, September 10 at 8 p.m. Come and listen to a broad range of voices and styles. During the performances, singers, songwriters and musicians often join the poets on stage. Most of all, explore the connection between poetry, personal expression and civic engagement.

“Our shows attract all types, probably because we perform from different perspectives and have artists of all types, from teens to teachers, high school students to local hip hop heavyweights,”  Prosers spokesperson Sara Fincham said. “The poets that will be performing all came to the show through different avenues and arts. We showcase our different styles and deliveries, pre-written or improvised, sitting or standing, practiced or impromptu performed. A mixed bag of artists provide examples of what happens when perspectives collide, coexist, and collaborate on the same stage!”

Poetry with a modern beat.

Slam poetry is different than your traditional poetry. It is literary rap, impassioned commentary, uninhibited word art, poetry and improvisation all wrapped up in one package. And, it is written to be performed.

“Slam poetry gives people a voice and offers variety,” Sara said. “It really isn’t defined by any parameters. It can cover lots of content, be written or improvised, and it’s very active all the way around, from the artists to the audience. It also has social and academic benefits. It promotes literacy, public speaking, and self-confidence. It’s social, too. It encourages teamwork and leadership, connection to community, and civic engagement. Poems can be political, provide perspective, and encourage insight and involvement.”

Local performers share their poems.

Poets Sara Fincham, Chermayne Davis, Claudell Whetstone, Whitney Healy, Gabrielle Marshall, Samantha Pearl, and Maya Huggins will perform at Saturday’s show.

The event also features an open mic session. Poets, new and experienced, shy and bold, can bring their poems and read aloud to the audience.

If you have something to say, the microphones and the ears are open at Towngate Theatre.

Tickets are on sale now. Purchase tickets online, at the door or call 304-242-7700. Admission is only $5.

Towngate Theatre is more than theater…

Towngate’s Second Season enhances Wheeling’s arts landscape with literary programming, spoken word performances, improvisation and more.  Programs often feature works by emerging and/or local authors, playwrights and poets.

TOWNGATE OPENS 2016-2017 SEASON WITH TENNESSEE WILLIAMS’ THE GLASS MENAGERIE

Some amazing American playwrights have written outstanding plays that stand the test of time. Many of these playwrights have made significant contributions not just to theater but also to culture and creative thought. Playwrights such as August Wilson, Arthur Miller, Wendy Wasserstein, Edward Albee, David Mamet have made us laugh and cry. We realize our humanity through their words.

One of our greatest American playwrights was Tennessee Williams. He wrote many classic American plays such as A Streetcar Named Desire, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and The Rose Tattoo.

Williams’ plays are predominantly set in the American South and feature characters who are emotionally or physically damaged in some manner. Often heart wrenching, always thought provoking, Williams’ plays speak to what it means to be human and the struggles we face in life.

TOWNGATE BRINGS TENNESSEE WILLIAMS TO YOU

Our community gets to experience Williams’ beautiful work. Towngate’s opening play of the 2016-2017 season is Williams’ The Glass Menagerie.

His first major success as a playwright, The Glass Menagerie tells the story of the Wingfield family.  We meet frustrated artist Tom and his badgering mother, Amanda, who is often lost in her Southern Belle past. We also meet Tom’s agonizingly shy sister, Laura. The story follows the consequence a visit from a “gentleman caller” for Laura has on their lives. Partially based on Williams himself, and his own mother and sister, the characters show the difficulty they have in accepting and relating to reality. Each member of the Wingfield family is unable to overcome this struggle. As a result, each withdraws into a private world of illusion, finding comfort and meaning that the real world does not seem to offer.

The Cast is Superb.

Dave Henderson directs the Towngate production. A remarkable cast of local actors is currently rehearsing for what is certain to be a tremendous production.

Cathie Spencer plays Amanda, a proud and overbearing mother. Jamie Stout plays Laura, Amanda’s excruciatingly shy daughter who has withdrawn from the outside world. Brendan Sheehan stars as Tom, Amanda’s son and Laura’s younger brother who supports the family but wishes he could escape his life. And Michael Wylie plays the role of Jim O’Connor, an old friend of Tom and Laura who is brought to the Wingfield home in hopes that he and Laura will become involved romantically.

The performance runs September 16-18 and 23-24. Tickets are on sale now. Purchase in advance at OIonline.com or by calling 304-242-7700. You can buy tickets at the door, too. Admission is $12.50/$11 OI members.