The Gamut Stage Door Ensemble was created to foster collaboration among local theatre artists and to encourage the production of theatrical works that meet the Stage Door mission—that is, to explore the relationship between classic stories and modern expectations by developing fresh approaches to traditional themes, mindfully challenging theatrical conventions, supporting local artists, and connecting with our audience.
Each season, the Stage Door Series strives to complement and build upon Gamut’s mainstage work through the presentation of engaging and educational workshop productions that highlight the essential elements of theatre: the text, the story, the actor, and the action. Our aim is to offer accessible theatrical experiences, to reach new audiences, and to involve new members of the arts community—maybe that means you!
In the past, the Stage Door Series has included not just familiar plays but also radio theatre, staged readings, original works by local playwrights, poetry collections, and combat showcases. This year, we’re excited to showcase a brand new play in January and to present an evening of upended expectations in the spring.
While the Stage Door Series maintains the professional theatrical standard of Gamut Theatre, all participation in Stage Door productions is volunteer, and admission for every production is by donation only, as defined by our motto: “Come as you are; pay what you will.”
2024/2025 Season Events
A reading of Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw
December 17, 2024
The myth of a sculptor who fell in love with his own creation gets a 20th-century spin from playwright and social critic George Bernard Shaw. A professor of linguistics decides to make a "proper" lady out of a poor, uneducated London flower girl in this witty satire of the British class system. And if you're only familiar with its musical adaptation, "My Fair Lady," you may be in for a surprise or two!
This is the second reading Stage Door is hosting this season, and we will be looking for the audience to fill out our cast! So come to listen or come to read. Either way, there’s a place for you. And as always, come as you are— the event is free! The event is held in the Capital Blue Cross Lobby. Doors and Bar will open at 6:30 PM!
A Stage Door Series Workshop: Viewpoints for the Audition Room
Led by Kim Greenawalt; price: $20*
Sunday, January 12, 2025, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Gamut Theatre
Is your goal for 2025 to audition for more plays? To know how to be your own director when reading scenes with strangers? Or finally figure out what to do with your hands? Yes? Then this is for you!
Let’s face it—auditioning is A LOT. Fueled by a cocktail of anxiety and hope, actors too easily overthink, disconnect, and lose their way. If you want to get out of your head and into your body at in-person auditions, this workshop is perfect for you!
Kim will briefly introduce Viewpoints, a physical theatre framework for creating truthful performances (as created by Ann Bogart and the SITI Company). Then, she will help participants look at audition sides and make choices through the Viewpoints lens, giving you tools that will keep you physically grounded, emotionally connected, and cognitively flexible.
This workshop is limited to twenty participants, so sign up early! Click below!
The Picture of Dorian Gray
January 24-26, 2025
Pretty is as pretty does, right? Not always. Sometimes the fairest face hides the foulest deeds, as with Oscar Wilde’s infamous Dorian Gray. This fully staged new adaptation by Francesca Amendolia starts to ask the questions that Gamut’s upcoming production of Frankenstein will explore more deeply: What is a monster? Why do we seek so desperately to ward off death and decay? How will we fare when we face our demons?
A reading of Othello
April 30, 2025
Containing some of the most luscious language in all of Shakespeare, Othello is also an artifact of its time, a racially charged story without a resolution that might satisfy modern audiences. Taken together, those elements make this play well worth a close reading, which is why we’re offering it as the third of our community readings this season, and we hope you will join us as both actors and listeners. Come as you are— the event is free! The event is held in the Capital Blue Cross Lobby. Doors and Bar will open at 6:30 PM!