Group takes art of storytelling to next level

     (AAPNW-OH) – Theater can be an art of storytelling and music combined to create a lively adventure portrayed by talented actors and actresses.  Mad River Theater Works is a rural professional repertory theater company based in West Liberty, Ohio that not only brings entertaining and professional plays to expectant audiences, but also has proven that the Midwest is anything by boring.

     All associates of Mad River Theater live in the rural community, allowing them to continually grasp the inspiration for their work. The administrative and artistic staff at the theater works together, some since the company’s founding in 1978, creating, teaching and performing themes based on our area’s heritage.  Whether you are an experienced presenter or a new arts sponsor, Mad River will work with you to put on a successful event.  They provide publicity materials and phone consultations to get your audience out and a crucially acclaimed show to keep them coming back.

     The founding director, Jeff Hooper has worked at Actors Theater of Louisville in Kentucky, Arena Stage in Washington DC and Berkeley Stage Company in Berkeley, California.  He has pioneered techniques of combining storytelling with drama and music to produce lively original works for the stage.  Jeff has also served on numerous panels for the National Endowment for the Arts and the Ohio Arts Council.

     Today, the company is under the direction of Bob Lucas, who through his own national experiences led to his involvement in the creation of a professional touring company growing out of rural America.

    One of their productions released in 2005, “Long Journey Home” is a play with music that explores the challenges of survival and the search for hope.  Based during the depths of the Great Depression, “Long Journey Home” brings an era of American history to life and shows how humor, perseverance and friendship make a difference during a stormy time.

     There are over twenty-five original plays that have been developed over the past twenty-six years that reflect the rich diversity of the rural Midwest, and a core of professional artists who are committed to Mad River.  Those actors, directors and musicians have come to live and work in rural west central Ohio from all parts of the United States and have worked in professional venues from coast to coast.

     For more information, including the current plays and dates in your area call 937-465-6751 or email Bob Lucas at bob@madrivertheater.org  as well as see www.madrivertheater.org. This is an opportunity for those who are interested in the art of play-acting.