By Merle Exit
The Free Synagogue of Flushing Community Theater Group is changing religions.
After she ended the group’s 41-year stint in Flushing, Maryellen Pierce opted to move her amateur acting company to the Immaculate Conception Church in Jamaica Estates.
Besides a different address, the group has also adopted a new moniker—Star Players.
Last month, Pierce sent a proposal to the church’s priest, Father William Murphy, outlining her plans for Star Players.
“It would work well with your vision for the teen program and would also allow the adults to have a creative program,” Pierce said. “A theater group provides an outlet for expression on stage and off. It brings many people together working on the same goal.”
A theater group encompasses much more than the actors on stage and the crew members behind the scene, Pierce said. Star Players will also provide opportunities for musicians, costumers, publicists, ushers and concession stand workers.
“In my experience, the group can provide activities for the whole family,” Pierce said.
Murphy was quite impressed with Pierce’s pitch and agreed to sign on. Thus the Star Players were born.
“I believe that the name captures both the years of experience that our staff will bring to the group, but also have it reflect the growth of our programs and productions,” Pierce said. “The imagery of a shining star reflects accomplishing both those goals.”
Because Pierce is not starting the group from the ground up, she has been able to use her history in Flushing to secure a grant from the Josephine Foundation.
“They have been supportive with both words and financial support,” Pierce said. “It is great for us and all community theater groups to have that kind of support available especially when government grants are cutting back.”
Part of the group’s mission is to make theater accessible to all people and Pierce believes the location, two blocks from the F train and near five different MTA and Nassau bus lines, will help to build a diverse and large audience.
And Pierce is wasting no time in her new home.
On Monday, June 29, and Wednesday, July 1, Star Players will hold auditions for an October production of the musical revue “Broadway Around the World.”
The show, includes highlights from such varied shows as “On the Town,” “In the Heights,” “West Side Story” and “Newsies,” to name but a few.
“In scheduling future productions, we are looking to create a variety of high-quality theater,” Pierce said. “We must consider not only what the group wants, but the needs and wishes of the church as well as the community. We also want our show dates and times to reflect what our audience would have available to them.”
Pierce sees the group’s move as a great opportunity that includes performances in the newly renovated theater at the Immaculate Conception School.
“We have a supportive pastor and principal, a nice stage in an auditorium where we don’t have to put up seats as in a social hall, a welcoming diverse community and a large parking lot too,” she said.
For more information on Star Players and the upcoming auditions, call (516) 521-5500.
