Editor’s note: A Kickstarter campaign has been launched by the non-oprofit Woodstock Celebrates Inc. for a May 16-17, 2014 event celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Todd Theatre Festival. You can make donations and learn more at their Kickstarter page.
By WOODSTOCK CELEBRATES INC.
Orson Welles often stated that he owed his creative spirit to Roger Hill and his time at Todd School, Woodstock, Illinois. 2014 will be the 80th anniversary of the 1934 theater festival in which Welles directed and starred in the Opera House festival productions. What better place to celebrate Welles than the community who nurtured him?
On Friday evening, May 16, we will host an informal discussion with our presenters and will include period music from the 20’s and 30’s, at Stage Left Café, in Woodstock. On Saturday, May 17, we will host two separate, interactive panel discussions with our Welles scholars as we gather in the historic Opera House to celebrate Welles. These world renowned scholars will include Jonathan Rosenbaum, Joseph McBride, Michael Dawson, Lawrence French, Josh Karp, James Naremore, Jeff Wilson and Todd Tarbox – all noted authorities on Welles. In addition we are offering a theatrical production of “War of the Worlds”; period cocktails at local Woodstock bars and restaurants; book signings; historical Welles/Todd School related exhibits, and more.
The Opera House is the same location where Welles returned to produce, and star in, his production of the 1934 Todd School Theater Festival. This is also the same stage that was dedicated to Welles in 2013.
Won’t you join us in laying the groundwork to celebrate one of the greatest dramatic minds in America? Our campaign will cover travel expenses and housing for our speakers; Opera House labor costs plus printing and advertising costs. It will also cover royalties and expenses for the production of “War of the Worlds” Saturday evening.
Woodstock will also be offering Welles films shown at the local theater; another example of the entire community coming forth to celebrate this “Creative Genius.” Other entities will be offering Welles related experiences that weekend; making this a total community event.
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We realize that setbacks may occur, but we have taken great pains to avoid them. While we have secured a location for the events, we have considered other local venues. We also have considered back-up presenters if one of our group is unable to present. We are also looking at alternative locations for the art show, photo exhibit and restaurants.
Ours is a local venue and we are working to get the entire community involved.
To contribute, please visit: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/794606372/orson-welles-weekend-creative-genius-from-the-begi
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