PHOTO STORY: Christmas in the Barn
What started a community’s dream to create a family-friendly theater 15 years ago became a reality in 1995. In Collinston, Utah, Old Barn Community Theatre was ready for business.
Two hundred seats outline the Old Barn’s stage in a square formation, which allows viewers to see the productions from all angles, making some feel they are part of the action.
Jolynn Jex, who spent 10 years on the theater’s board of directors, said the barn was drafty when it opened in the beginning, but after all the work that was put into it the outcome was rewarding. It was used to house the StageStop Theatre a few years before, but needed a lot of work to get it ready to perform in, Jex said.
Tasks that needed completion include putting in new seats, new carpet, black curtains behind seating areas, dressing rooms, outside lighting and technical improvements, such as a new soundboard, Jex said.
She said volunteer efforts made the revamp possible. Those who participate in Old Barn productions from actors to sound techs do so voluntarily. Ticket and concession revenue goes toward theater upkeep and producing the next show, Jex said.
The history of the Old Barn dates back to pioneer days in the 1860s, when Ben Hampton and William Godbe were looking for a way to cross the Bear River ford by ferry, according to the Utah State History website.
A bridge was built on the river right next to the Old Barn and the original building was used as a stage barn. Over time, people started to travel by train more often when the Transcontinental Railroad was completed and the ford crossing wasn’t as widely used.
The Old Barn has hosted a variety of shows, including “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Annie Get Your Gun” and “A Christmas Carol.”
Each show takes a lot of effort from everyone involved, said Laura Hull, the holiday production director. The production is Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas”.
Hull said directing takes a lot of time. For this production, which plays Dec. 2-17, the actors auditioned in September. They had more than 30 rehearsals.
The music for the show comes from Irving Berlin classics, but coming up with the music outline started in the spring, she said. Getting everyone’s costumes ready was another big challenge for every show.
After actors were selected, people in charge of costumes decide what period or place the play will depict and and then buy the fabric, Hull said.
Hull designs and creates most of the plays’ costumes. For “White Christmas,” Hull said she looked for 1950s retro patterns. There are about six people who sew the costumes together and make the actors look like they stepped out of the scenes they are portraying.
Hull said it’s not unusual for entire families to be involved with productions, whether acting or behind the scenes.
Carol Greer, who worked on “A Christmas Carol,” said the Old Barn is a great place where parents can take their kids and introduce them to theater. Students who are interested in theater, or just want something fun and active to do, should check out what this entertaining and historic theater has to offer, Greer said.
— trinaland7@gmail.com