Plainfield Theater Guild to Perform Musical Revue

The Plainfield Theater Guild is relatively new in town, but they are here to let you know they have big voices and big dreams of entertaining audiences! Founded in October 2013, this non-profit acting troupe consists of some of Plainfield’s most talented young thespians.

The Guild is currently in rehearsals for its third production, which is a musical comedy Broadway revue. Guild directors Anna (Cooney) Clark and Kevin Shain, both Plainfield graduates come home, founded the theater guild to provide an outlet for young theater kids to express themselves creatively while learning the dynamics of putting on a play.

”Starting this up was a big undertaking. We needed to cultivate interest and establish our reputation”, says Clark.

Interested has definitely cultivated for the Plainfield Theater Guild in their time here in town.

“When I announced auditions for our first ever production (A Charlie Brown Christmas), I didn’t know what kind of turnout to expect. We probably had 19 kids total at auditions.”

That number has since quadrupled for PTG. With a total of 70 cast members (ranging in age from 8 years old to 20 years old) in their latest production, they have definitely cultivated interest. And it’s no wonder there is this kind of interest in a town that is home to four high schools, seven junior highs and eighteen elementary schools.

TJ Mulcahy, a Plainfield South senior, has been in two of the Plainfield Theater Guild productions.

“I’ve always loved performing, but outside of school there were little opportunities to do so. This guild has presented the opportunities for kids from all walks of life to come together and do what they’re passionate about”, said Mulcahy.

And Mulcahy isn’t the only one this passionate about being on stage. Sydney Cangilla, an 8th grader at Ira Jones, said: “There’s nothing I love more than performing. I had an amazing time being in The Drowsy Chaperone [their second production], and I’m so excited for Showtime on Broadway! As soon as one production is finished, I’m anxious for the next one to start!”

Shain, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Theater with a concentration in Theater Management and Acting, is just happy to be doing work in the field he loves most.

”It’s so rewarding to be able to take a passion that gave me so much and share it with this hardworking, dedicated group of kids. The spirit and energy they bring to rehearsals and performing amazes me daily”, says Shain. “These kids perform with such passion and exuberance; it’s infectious.”

Joining the PTG staff this year is elementary music education teacher and vocal coach Tony Pape, who was also a graduate of Plainfield Central High School.

”Tony’s contributions to the show are invaluable. He teaches elementary music education, so he’s great with the younger kids. But he’s also a performer, himself, so he can really bring out the best sound in our older performers too”, said Clark.

Parents also make it possible for these productions to run smoothly. Many volunteer their time to help run the box office, market the show, sell advertisements, organize tee-shirt sales, and even make costumes and build sets.

TJ and Sydney’s mothers, Lori Mulcahy and Lauren Cangilla, who have both done volunteer work for the Guild, have nothing but great praise to contribute.

“Both of my kids are performing members of the Plainfield Theater Guild and it’s awesome to know that they are spending their summer doing something they love in a safe environment surrounded by people who love the same things they do,” said Mulcahy.

Cangilla remarked, “The quality of the performances have exceeded my expectations greatly! My daughter continues to have such wonderful experiences being part of the Plainfield Theater Guild. Can’t wait to see what the future holds!”

And what does the future have in store for Plainfield Theater Guild? With elementary school music programs being cut, this group provides an outlet for our younger Plainfield residents to still get involved and gain experience before they reach the junior high level.

“I don’t think it’s because of a lack interest from these kids. There obviously is. We had ninety kids audition, and of my seventy cast members, about 60% of them are under age 11”, said Clark commenting on the music cuts.

“We will be here; continuing to grow and expand as long as there is in an interest to perform from these kids”, said Shain about the future of the Guild.

Veronica Wolf, an incoming freshman to Plainfield South, has been a part of the Guild since its inception; even landing leads in the PTG’s previous productions.

“Theater has always held a special place in my heart. I have nothing but wonderful experiences with this group. We’ve grown to such an impressive number of talented and outgoing members. My experiences here can ever be replaced,” said Wolf sentimentally.

Clark, who said this guild was nothing but a pipe dream for years until now said, “I love these kids like they were my own family. And that’s what a theater guild is, a family. Even if they don’t grow up to be actors and actresses, this is a great way to build character. Theater is every bit as beneficial to a kid as an organized sport can be. It teaches communication, public speaking, coordination, team work, and it teaches them confidence. They become uninhibited and they can truly be the individual they want to be when they’re on a stage.”

Showtime on Broadway! A Musical Comedy Revue is scheduled to be performed:
June 18th at 7:30pm
June 19th at 7:30pm
June 20th at 1:00pm
June 20th at 7:30pm

Community Christian Church
13731 S. Route 30 Unit 117
Plainfield, IL 60544

Tickets are $7/person

For more information contact ticketsptg@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/PlainfieldTheaterGuild